The United States Government has made it clear that it does not consider the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) a terrorist organisation, a report this morning in SUNDAY PUNCH said.

The paper quoted the spokesman for the American Embassy in Nigeria, Russell Brooks, as telling it on Friday that the U.S. Government does not view IPOB as a terrorist group.

Brooks reportedly said in an e-mail response to a question: “The United States Government is strongly committed to Nigeria’s unity. Important political and economic issues affecting the Nigerian people, such as the allocation of resources, are worthwhile topics for respectful debate in a democracy.

“Within the context of unity, we encourage all Nigerians to support a de-escalation of tensions and peaceful resolution of grievances. The Indigenous People of Biafra is not a terrorist organisation under US law.”

SUNDAY PUNCH recalled: “Last week, the Federal High Court in Abuja gave a judicial backing the executive order of President Muhammadu Buhari, outlawing the group and its activities in the country.

“The court granted the order to proscribe the group on Wednesday.

“It declared that the activities of the group constituted acts of terrorism.

“The Federal Government also accused France and the United Kingdom of aiding IPOB activities.”