Biafra/Assylum: Britain Replies At Nigerian Government

*Says We provide protection for those who need it

The United Kingdom said it had a proud history of providing
protection for those who needed it, in accordance with its
international obligations under its Refugee Convention and European
Convention on Human Rights.

It was reacting to comments by Nigeria’s Minister of
Information Lai Mohammed that it was disrespectful to the country
for the UK to consider granting asylum to persecuted members
of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the
Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

According to the British High Commission in Nigeria said the UK
constantly reviewed its immigration policy, noting that all asylum
and rights from Nigeria were carefully considered before
approval.

However, Britain did not allow Mohammed’s missile to hit target
before intercepting it and firing its own. Christopher Ogunmodede,
the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High
Commission, Abuja, said: “The UK has a proud history of providing
protection to those who need it, in accordance with our
international obligations under the Refugee Convention and European
Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

“Our country’s policy and information notes are published on the
gov.uk website. They are kept under constant review and updated
periodically – an update to the Biafra separatist note is expected
shortly.

“We publish them since our decisions can be appealed in the
immigration courts, which are public, so it is clearer and fairer
for all involved (applicants, their lawyers, judges, stakeholders
such as the UNHCR) to know what our position and evidence base
is.

“All asylum and human rights claims from Nigerian nationals are
carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with
our international obligations.”

Meanwhile, IPOB has said it wants a referendum on
self-determination for the South-East of Nigeria, not
asylum. 

*Says We provide protection for those who need it

The United Kingdom said it had a proud history of providing
protection for those who needed it, in accordance with its
international obligations under its Refugee Convention and European
Convention on Human Rights.

It was reacting to comments by Nigeria’s Minister of
Information Lai Mohammed that it was disrespectful to the country
for the UK to consider granting asylum to persecuted members
of the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) and the Movement for the
Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB).

According to the British High Commission in Nigeria said the UK
constantly reviewed its immigration policy, noting that all asylum
and rights from Nigeria were carefully considered before
approval.

However, Britain did not allow Mohammed’s missile to hit target
before intercepting it and firing its own. Christopher Ogunmodede,
the Senior Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High
Commission, Abuja, said: “The UK has a proud history of providing
protection to those who need it, in accordance with our
international obligations under the Refugee Convention and European
Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

“Our country’s policy and information notes are published on the
gov.uk website. They are kept under constant review and updated
periodically – an update to the Biafra separatist note is expected
shortly.

“We publish them since our decisions can be appealed in the
immigration courts, which are public, so it is clearer and fairer
for all involved (applicants, their lawyers, judges, stakeholders
such as the UNHCR) to know what our position and evidence base
is.

“All asylum and human rights claims from Nigerian nationals are
carefully considered on their individual merits in accordance with
our international obligations.”

Meanwhile, IPOB has said it wants a referendum on
self-determination for the South-East of Nigeria, not
asylum.