Why US Has Not Designated IPOB As Terrorists Organisation – American Academic

An American academic, Ivan Sheenan has explained  possible reasons the United States of America government has not designated the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB as terror group “despite repeated pleas by Nigeria”.

Sheehan, who is the executive director of the school of public and international affairs at the University of Baltimore, in an opinion article published in The Washington Times on Monday, said the engagement of American lobbying firms by IPOB to manage its image may be the reason it is yet designated as terorrists Organisation.

Sheenan said: “One reason may be the group’s million-dollar contracts with prominent American lobbying firms paid to whitewash the group’s reputation and lobby on Capitol Hill. It is impossible to believe that IPOB and Kanu’s deep pockets are not being lined by external organizations,”

Also Read: US Should Designate IPOB As Terrorists Organisation; American Academic

“A terror designation would put a stop to this influence peddling. It would also mean the group could not use the US or its Western allies, like London-based Radio Biafra, to further their cause.

“The group’s outsized influence – a function of its radio station, paid hands, and US lawyers – would be severely curtailed. Law enforcement in the US, the U.K., and elsewhere would be obligated to act by shutting down these activities.”