Indigenous Peoples of Biafra (IPOB), a proscribed Igbo separatist group, has hired a lobbying firm in the United States, BW Global Group (BWGG LCC), to help it get recognition for Biafran independence.
According to a new report, the group's leader, Nnamdi Kanu, allegedly paid the outfit $350, 000 for their services.
While acknowledging the firm's involvement, Kanu stated that the move was made to ensure the smooth sailing of the struggle for Biafra's independence in the eyes of the international community.
In a statement published on Ripples Nigeria on Wednesday, IPOB' s Media and Publicity Secretary, Emma Powerful, stated the funds were supplied by Igbo businessmen in Nigeria and the Diaspora who believe in the Biafra project.
According to him, the group hired the firm to help " secure the backing of the United States government, as well as the governments of the United Kingdom, France, China, Russia, Israel, Germany, Australia, and the European Union" in the agitation.
" It is true that Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, our Supreme and tireless leader, has hired another lobbying firm in the United States to facilitate the coming and recognition of Biafra independence.
" We paid them a hefty sum of $350, 000 to lobby for Biafra independence in America and around the world. "
The deal, which is for a 12- month term with the possibility of renewal, was sealed in February, according to Powerful, with Kanu signing on behalf of IPOB.
According to an investigation carried by Ripples Nigeria, BW Global Group is co-owned by Geoffrey Birrell and Alan White and is registered in Washington D. C.
Top government officials, parliamentarians, policymakers, and opinion leaders who are well-versed in the art of international diplomacy work for the firm.
The arrangement between IPOB and the BW Global Group went into effect on March 1, 2021, months after Kanu's previous agreement with Mercury Public Affairs LLC, a US-based lobbying firm, terminated.
IPOB reportedly paid $85, 000 each month commencing September 23, 2019, plus a $5, 000 one- time compliance charge under the previous contract.
Kanu said the monies came from Igbo businessmen at home and abroad who supported the Biafran fight when he signed the deal with Mercury.
" Both at home and abroad, our people contributed money to the initiative. Nobody can break our resolve to struggle for Biafra's independence and freedom.
" IPOB has spent a lot of money on this project to ensure that Biafra is restored without another conflict, but traitors and saboteurs in Biafraland and beyond are hell-bent on helping terrorists to attack us from the inside and outside so that IPOB can confront them too soon.
"The Federal Government wants us to begin an unprepared war for Biafra independence, but we will keep our peace until we achieve our goals".