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FG Jittery over UK’s Asylum Plan for IPOB, MASSOB Members, May Summon Envoy
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The Federal Government on Tuesday expressed anger over a plan by the United Kingdom to offer asylum to “persecuted” members of the Indigenous People of Biafra and the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria in Abuja, said the plan was disrespectful to Nigeria as a nation, adding that it was tantamount to sabotage.
Mohammed stated this as there were indications on Tuesday that the Federal Government might summon the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, over the asylum offer.
But socio-political groups including the Middle Belt Forum, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Afenifere and the Pan-Niger Delta Forum, supported the asylum offer by the UK and berated the Federal Government over the development.
The UK Visas and Immigration issued new guidelines to its decision makers on how to consider and grant asylum applications of members of Biafran secessionist groups in Nigeria.
In the guidelines published on assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government, it stated that the asylum would be granted to “persecuted” members of IPOB and MASSOB.
The two groups are calling for the secession of the Igbo in the South-East and many other ethnic nationalities in the South-South from Nigeria.
In the guidelines titled, ‘Country Policy and Information Note Nigeria: Biafran secessionist groups,’ released in March, the UKVI, a division of the Home Office, directed its decision makers to consider if a person “who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution.’’
It further said the UK must also consider if the Federal Government’s actions were acts of prosecution, not persecution.
“Those fleeing prosecution or punishment for a criminal offence are not normally refugees. Prosecution may, however, amount to persecution if it involves victimisation in its application by the authorities,’’ the 56-page document noted.
An example of persecution, the UKVI said was “if it is the vehicle or excuse for or if only certain groups are prosecuted for a particular offence and the consequences of that discrimination are sufficiently severe. Punishment which is cruel, inhuman or degrading (including punishment which is out of all proportion to the offence committed) may also amount to persecution.”
On the alleged marginalisation of the Igbo, which it said led to the current agitation by IPOB, it said, ‘’Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari has been perceived by some as being dismissive and unsympathetic towards the people of the South-East, particularly with regard to the appointment of senior government officials which appeared to favour his northern constituents.
It disclosed that MASSOB and IPOB had largely advocated peaceful change but on occasions had used rhetoric that might encourage violent resistance, adding that IPOB in particular, through its online platform, Radio Biafra, and online comments of its leader, Kanu, had stoked secessionist aspirations and encouraged resistance to the authorities.
The guidelines noted that though MASSOB was not a banned organisation and continued to conduct public activities, a number of its supporters had been arrested – and some killed during demonstrations.
It stated, ‘’MASSOB, since its formation in the late 1990s, has clashed with the security forces. Numerous members have been killed, wounded and arrested – usually during demonstrations. Over a hundred arrests were made in September 2018, at least 10 in 2019; and, in July 2020, it was reported that members of MASSOB were arrested following clashes with the police.
“IPOB has in recent years become the dominant Biafran group. Since 2015, the security forces have reportedly extra-judicially killed tens and injured hundreds of its supporters and leadership, often using excessive force to control protests.
“The security forces have also arrested hundreds of IPOB supporters at different events, usually when disrupting demonstrations or marches to promote Biafran independence, particularly during 2015 to 2017, as well as during raids on the homes of IPOB leaders. Sources also report clashes with the authorities during 2018 and Amnesty reported that security forces arrested at least 200 and killed 10 supporters at different times during 2019.
On cases for consideration for asylum, the UK agency said, “A risk of persecution will depend on their role, profile and activities for the group, and previous arrests by the state. A person who actively and openly supports IPOB is likely to be at risk of arrest and detention, and ill-treatment which is likely to amount to persecution. Each case will need to be carefully considered on its facts, with the onus on the applicants to demonstrate that they are likely to face a risk of persecution.’’
While acknowledging instances of attacks on security forces by IPOB members, the agency said where members of MASSOB or IPOB had incited or used violence to disrupt public order, the government might have legitimate grounds to arrest and prosecute those people.
It, however, argued that “where the government has arrested and detained persons who, for example, peacefully participate in demonstrations and has then charged them with treason or the person is subjected to periods of detention in degrading or inhuman conditions, such treatment is unlikely to be fair or proportionate, and is likely to amount to persecution.”
A senior official of the Federal Government, who confided in one of our correspondents, stated that the government would demand an explanation from the UK on its decision which Nigeria considered as inappropriate and a veiled support for the outlawed group which had been agitating for the disintegration of the country.
The source stated, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will definitely take up the asylum offer to IPOB with the British High Commission. The government may summon the High Commissioner and demand an explanation for their decision which is totally inappropriate and a form of support for the proscribed group.’’
President Bola Tinubu has dismissed concerns over rumoured ill-health following his return to Nigeria from an extended working vacation in Europe, declaring that he is “healthy, sound, and ready to go.”
Tinubu spoke with journalists on Tuesday shortly after arriving in Lagos from Paris, where he spent the latter part of his stay abroad.
The President was responding to questions about concerns raised by some Nigerians and his supporters towards the end of his vacation regarding his health.
Tinubu rejected the concerns, saying there was nothing wrong with him.
“Ready to kick, ready to walk. There’s nothing wrong,” the President said.
He added: “Rumour will always be emanating from politics, but the facts remain I’m here. Healthy, sound, and ready to go.”
Tinubu left Nigeria on August 30 for a three-week working vacation in Europe. He initially travelled to London before proceeding to Paris, France.
The Presidency subsequently announced an extension of his stay, saying the President remained in touch with developments at home and continued to direct the affairs of the country while abroad.
His prolonged absence generated public discussion, particularly over the length of his stay outside Nigeria and its implications for his official responsibilities.
The African Action Congress also instituted legal action against Tinubu and the National Assembly over the trip, alleging that the President failed to notify the National Assembly before leaving the country.
With his return, Tinubu is expected to resume official engagements in Nigeria as the country prepares to mark its Independence anniversary on October 1.
The President’s comments in Lagos therefore sought to put to rest speculation surrounding his health, while signalling his readiness to resume his activities at home after several weeks in Europe.
The Nigeria Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has blamed the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for worsening poverty and insecurity in Nigeria, promising to restore citizens’ confidence in governance if elected in 2027.
Obi spoke on Monday in Sokoto during a town hall meeting with members and supporters of the party, where he outlined his plans for security, education, agriculture, transportation and economic development.
He alleged that the APC-led administration had failed to adequately provide basic infrastructure and social interventions for Nigerians.
According to him, the situation had contributed to the worsening economic hardship confronting citizens across the country.
“The current administration and some political leaders in the country have abandoned the citizenry without basic infrastructure and intervention. That is why the country is the highest poverty-stricken in the world,” Obi alleged.
He said an NDC administration would prioritise security, education and agriculture in its efforts to rebuild the economy and restore hope among Nigerians.
“We are committed to transforming the country under a united, secure and prosperous leadership of the NDC.
“It is only the NDC that has the capacity and visionary policies that would reverse the system rot. No fake promises will come from us. You will see our commitment by keeping to our promises,” he said.
On transportation, the former Governor of Anambra State described an efficient railway system as critical to economic growth, saying his administration would expand rail connectivity across the country.
He specifically promised to pursue rail links connecting Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states with other parts of the North-West and the country.
“I will effectively ensure rail transport connects Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara states, the entire North-West and other regions,” Obi said.
The NDC candidate also promised greater coordination between the president and vice-president, saying his proposed partnership with Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso would ensure that both leaders worked towards the same objectives.
“You will see how leadership works in the same direction. Myself and the Vice Presidential candidate will be working together the way you see us together in Sokoto today,” he said.
On fuel subsidy, Obi said his administration would introduce a transparent system that would ensure Nigerians benefit from government interventions while eliminating opportunities for corruption.
He described the previous subsidy regime as having been undermined by corruption, promising to establish greater transparency in the management of the country’s oil and gas resources.
“Kwankwaso and I will initiate a work plan that would transparently arrive at the quantum of crude, nature of transactions, import and export, and revenue accruing from every single oil and gas transaction and activity for the benefit of Nigerians,” he said.
He further pledged to work with state governors, particularly in the North, to address insecurity and its impact on local economies.
According to him, banditry, kidnapping and terrorism have disrupted economic activities and development in many communities across the region.
Obi also promised to support farmers through fertiliser subsidies and other agricultural interventions aimed at increasing food production and strengthening food security.
He urged voters in Sokoto State to support the NDC, describing the state as strategically important to the party’s plans for the 2027 election.
Also speaking, the NDC vice-presidential candidate, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, accused the APC administration of failing to adequately address the challenges confronting Nigerians, particularly insecurity in the North-West.
Kwankwaso urged residents of Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi, Kano, Kaduna, Katsina and Jigawa states to demand improved security and better economic opportunities.
He said the Obi-Kwankwaso ticket represented an attempt to provide a different approach to governance, particularly in tackling insecurity, poverty and underdevelopment.
The former Kano State governor said the North was still facing challenges in education, industrialisation and security, promising that an NDC administration would prioritise the sectors.
He cited previous political partnerships involving leaders from different regions and faiths, including the relationships between Sir Ahmadu Bello and Nnamdi Azikiwe, Shehu Shagari and Alex Ekwueme, Olusegun Obasanjo and Atiku Abubakar, and Goodluck Jonathan and Namadi Sambo.
Earlier, the NDC governorship candidate in Sokoto State, Shamsuddeen Haido, urged party members and supporters to intensify mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.
The State chairman of the party, Bello Sani Yabo, described the town hall meeting as an opportunity for members to engage with the party’s proposed agenda for the country.
He assured that the party remained committed to working for victory in Sokoto State.
Meanwhile, Obi and Kwankwaso paid a courtesy visit to the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III, where they sought his blessings ahead of the 2027 general elections.
Former Vice President Abubakar has asked President Bola Tinubu to give a full account of Nigeria’s borrowing and debt profile and address the hardship faced by Nigerians following the removal of the fuel subsidy.
Atiku said this in a statement issued by Phrank Shaibu, Director of Strategic Communications of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) Presidential Campaign Council.
He said after more than three years of reforms, Nigerians are facing higher food, transport and energy bills, with public debt recorded at N166.79 trillion as at June 30, 2026, according to the Debt Management Office (DMO, compared to N49.85 trillion in March 2023.
“A government that says more money is coming in must explain why it keeps borrowing and why the people paying for its policies cannot see the promised gains,” Atiku said.
The ADC presidential candidate asked the President to identify old debt newly recorded, foreign debt whose naira value rose with the exchange rate, and every new loan contracted since assumption of office, as well as what has been repaid and outstanding.
Atiku said the debt question cannot be separated from the lived reality of ordinary Nigerians, noting that while government reports improving macroeconomic outcomes, many citizens struggle with the cost of living.
He said the true test of economic policy is whether Nigerians can afford food, transportation, housing, education, healthcare and electricity.
He cited an IMF assessment in June 2026, which said reforms improved macroeconomic outcomes but acknowledged conditions remained difficult, estimating poverty at 63 per cent under the national poverty line and saying 27 million Nigerians faced food insecurity in the latter part of 2025, with a warning that higher fuel, food and transport costs could worsen poverty.
He also cited recent fuel price pressures, with petrol selling around N1,400 per litre in Lagos and Abuja and as high as N1,500 in parts of northern Nigeria in September, while diesel exceeded N2,000 per litre.
Atiku said the cost of servicing debt has become a major concern, citing BudgIT report that quarter of 2025, debt service reached N12.52 trillion against N18.63 trillion revenue — 67.2 per cent.
He noted the 2026 fiscal framework provides for about N68.32 trillion expenditure against projected revenue of N36.87 trillion, leaving deficit of roughly N31.45 trillion.
He recalled President Tinubu’s remarks at Africa Forward Summit in Nairobi in May that Nigeria expected to spend about $11.6 billion on debt service in 2026, describing the amount as nearly half of projected revenue.
Atiku also demanded disclosure concerning DMO’s external debt-service schedule for second quarter of 2026, where $39.25 million was recorded as ‘other charges’ between April and June 2026, including $22.5 million against First Abu Dhabi Bank Total Return Swap and about $8.97 million against Deutsche Bank AG.
He asked for clarification on what the $22.5 million charge was for, which agreement authorised it, original facility, how much was drawn and obligations outstanding.
He also asked for reconciliation of Treasury Bill borrowing, noting DMO reported N19.48 trillion outstanding Nigerian Treasury Bills at 30 June 2026, and urged the government to publish what subsequently matured, redeemed, rolled over and what constituted new borrowing.
Atiku said the administration should apologise to families facing hardship and account for revenues and borrowing.
“An apology is not too much to ask from a government under whose watch many Nigerians have been pushed into deeper economic distress,” he said.
“Good economics must ultimately improve human life. If government revenue rises while families become poorer, Nigerians have right to demand full account.”
- He urged the Federal government to reconcile borrowing, explain charges, show what sacrifice has produced and focus on making life affordable.
