Simon Ekpa, the leader of the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, has taken the Biafran cause to the United States, seeking international backing and recognition.
According to Vanguard, Ekpa, who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile (BRGIE), has signed a significant lobbying agreement worth $130,000 (approximately N205 million) with Moran Global Strategies (MGS), a U.S.-based firm.
This deal is aimed at facilitating high-level advocacy and strategic engagement with key stakeholders in Washington D.C., including lawmakers, policymakers, and influential think tanks, to advance the quest for an independent Biafran state.
This move is seen as a pivotal step in the ongoing campaign for Biafran independence, as Ekpa seeks to leverage international platforms to highlight the grievances and aspirations of the Biafran people.
According to a report by Premium Times, the Finland-based activist applied in June 2024 to engage the services of MGS, owned by former U.S. lawmaker James Moran. The agreement was signed by Moran on behalf of the lobbying firm on June 10, 2024, while Ekpa signed on behalf of the BRGIE on June 12, 2024.
As per the contract, BRGIE will pay MGS a monthly fee of $10,000 (about N15.8 million) for its services. The contract commenced on June 15, 2024, and is set to conclude on June 14, 2025, with payments to be made in advance on the first day of each month, due by the 15th.
The contract, which is renewable annually, outlines that MGS will assist the separatist leader in persuading the U.S. government and private sectors to support Biafra’s secession from Nigeria.
“Under terms of this letter agreement, MGS agrees to provide Biafra with strategic advice and facilitate interaction with appropriate members of the Executive and Legislative Branches of the US government, as well as third-party interests.
“MGS will support Biafra’s fundamental goal to encourage the United States government to support Biafran independence and to recognise Biafra as the only entity which represents Biafra,” part of the agreement reads.
“MGS will promote the narrative to US governmental and non-governmental stakeholders that Biafra, once an established, independent state, with Biafra’s stewardship, will be a close ally of the United States, as well as a bulwark against Islamic terrorism in the region.
“MGS will also educate US and non-US stakeholders on issues of concerns pertaining to the Government of Nigeria, including, but not limited to human rights abuses, religious freedom issues, including persecution of Nigeria’s Christians, increasing Islamic fundamentalism within the Nigerian government, the Nigerian government’s alignment with US adversaries, and broader security concerns, among other topics,” the agreement further added
It said the US government would be encouraged to engage BRGIE directly and through advocacy by the US Congress and others, including faith-based and human rights organisations and think tanks.
(allnews.ng)
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