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Rivers: Sole Administrator Ibas Appoints New RSIEC Chairman, Others

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Rivers: Sole Administrator Ibas Appoints New RSIEC Chairman and Members

Port Harcourt, April 9, 2025: The Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Retired Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, has appointed Dr. Michael Ekpai Odey as the new Chairman of the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission (RSIEC).

This development was confirmed in an official statement released on Wednesday, signaling a restructuring of the state’s electoral body under the current emergency administration.

Complete List of Newly Appointed RSIEC Members

Alongside Dr. Odey, six other professionals have been appointed as RSIEC members:

  • Mr. Lezaasi Lenee Torbira – Member

  • Professor (Dr.) Arthur Nwafor – Member

  • Professor Godfrey Woke Mbgudiogha – Member

  • Professor (Dame) Joyce Akaninwor – Member

  • Dr. (Mrs.) Olive A. Bruce – Member

  • Professor Chidi Halliday – Member

These appointments are expected to steer the commission towards credible and transparent local government elections across Rivers State.

Emergency Rule

These changes follow President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s declaration of emergency rule in Rivers State on March 18, 2025, which led to the suspension of Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his political appointees. Since then, Sole Administrator Ibas has made significant administrative decisions, including the appointment of 23 new local government chairmen.

Ibas’s appointment comes despite a federal high order barring him from appointing Local government chairmen in Rivers.

Legal Challenge Ongoing

In reaction to the emergency rule, 11 governors from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have filed a lawsuit at the Supreme Court to challenge the President’s decision and restore democratic order in the state.

Nigeria’s Olatunji chairs Anglophone countries committee of African Data Protection Authorities

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The National Commissioner and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigeria Data Protection Commission, Dr Vincent Olatunji, has been appointed the Chair of the Anglophone Countries Committee of the Network of Africa Data Protection Authorities (NADPA).

This appointment was confirmed at the meeting of the Committee on Wednesday, 2nd April, 2025.

The Committee serves as a multilateral platform for promoting data privacy and protection among members.

While accepting the appointment, Dr Olatunji expressed his gratitude for the confidence reposed in Nigeria to chair the Committee at this crucial phase of Africa’s drive towards safeguarding the privacy rights of her over 1.4 billion people in the global data processing value chain. Dr Olatunji further urged members to see the work of the Committee as a collective responsibility which must be discharged for the benefit of data subjects across Africa.

It will be recalled that Nigeria is also scheduled to host the 2025 NADPA Annual General Meeting and Conference from 6th May through 8th May, 2025. The theme of the Conference is: “Balancing Innovation in Africa: Data Protection and Privacy in Emerging Technologies” The Conference is targeted at showcasing the significant milestones of Nigeria under H.E President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, towards building a sustainable digital economy.

Why Ekpa-led BRGIE backs US plan designation of Nigeria as CPC-Nkere

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The Acting Prime Minister of Simon Ekpa-led Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Ogechukwu Nkere, has backed the United States of America Congress’s call on President Donald Trump to designate Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) due to widespread persecution of Christians.

Nkere made this known in a statement through his official X account, noting the call was a result of BRGIE’s lobbying at US Congress.

Recall that lawmakers at the US House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa urged Trump to impose sanctions during a meeting on March 12, 2025.

Committee Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ) spoke on the severity of the crisis, referencing firsthand testimony from Bishop Wilfred Anagbe of the Diocese of Makurdi, Nigeria.

 

 

The subcommittee noted that Nigerians constituted 90 percent of Christians killed worldwide annually, citing a 2024 report by the Observatory for Religious Freedom in Africa showing out of the 55,910 people killed between October 2019 and September 2023, 21,000 of them were abducted in the context of terror groups.

“Make no mistake, all of these attacks are based on religion as I said, and diverting attention from it denies what we have seen with our own eyes. This “religious cleansing” needs to stop, and the perpetrators be brought to justice,” the report noted.

Also, the Global Persecution Index has placed Nigeria among the deadliest countries for Christians.

The development has sparked reactions in Nigeria.

Reacting, Nkere noted that the US Congress Committee was on point in its recommendation for sanctions against Nigeria.

He noted that he and BRGIE lobbyists were in attendance at the US House Committee when the lawmakers recommended the designation of Nigeria as CPC.

“BRGIE Acting Prime Minister Nkere had several private discussions on the sidelines of the hearing with the following House Foreign Affairs Committee members of Congress: Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-WA), Rep. James Baird (R-IN), and Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-IL). During the hearing, many members of the committee recommended that Nigeria be “A Country of Particular Concern”, paving the way for the Trump Administration to enact such a policy.

“BRGIE, through its lobbying firm Moran Global Strategies (MGS), has engaged actively with the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the Africa Subcommittee over the past months, especially its Chairman Congressman Chris Smith (R-NJ).

“The BRGIE had strongly recommended to its congressional counterparts the need for Congressional hearings, and for Nigeria to be re-designated as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC). While the BRGIE considers the hearing a demonstration of the effectiveness of its lobbying campaign, it considers a CPC re-designation as simply a first step and will push further for Congress to take action regarding the Biafra issue specifically.

“BRGIE being the only legal entity Recognized by the US Department of Justice for Biafra Independence has taken a significant diplomatic leap forward following a series of high-level engagements with U.S. Senators and Congresspersons in Washington, DC. This has become imperative after the Declaration Convention held in Lahti, Finland, in 2024, where 517 Biafran delegates globally voted and ratified the Biafra self-referendum conducted from February 1, 2024, to November 28, 2024 and a formal declaration document was extracted with 517 delegates signatures”, he stated.

He added that he had also met with US lawmakers on February 25 and 3rd, 2025 on the advancement of Biafra Independence.

Ekpa: Nigeria lacks ‘jurisdiction’ to designate Biafrans as terrorists’ funders—USB

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The United States of Biafra has tackled the Nigerian government, noting that it lacks the necessary jurisdiction and power to designate Biafrans as terrorist funders.

The Deputy Prime minister of USB and Chief of Staff, Dr. Ngozi Orabueze, disclosed this in a statement through her X account on Saturday.

Her comment comes as the Nigerian government, through its Nigeria Sanction Committee, barely two days ago designated the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Simon Ekpa, and 16 others as terrorist financiers.

However, Orabueze stressed that Nigerian authorities lack the morale and jurisdiction to designate Biafrans who engage in activism and liberation agitation as terrorists.

She noted that Biafrans are not terrorists and will not succumb to intimidation.

“Through legislation passed by the USB Cabinets in February 2025, a law was passed that bans any government, foreign or local, from tagging any Biafran that engages in activities to restore Biafra as a territory,” Orabueze explained.

She added that, “It is laughable and a double standard of the Nigerian government headed by President Ahmed Tinubu, who currently supports and executes a policy that reintegrates known terrorists into the Nigerian and Biafran system, including the banking sectors, and is now designating Biafrans as terrorists.”.

Orabueze accused the Nigerian government of misplaced priority and bias for designating Biafrans as terrorists while kidnappers causing havoc on citizens through ransom collection and murder go scot-free.

“Nigeria’s government has refused in most cases to publicly track and list these terrorists/kidnappers as terrorist financiers. The recent case of a local government chairman who was featured publicly begging for ransom to safeguard his life from terrorists is an example where the Nigerian state has not publicly identified or listed terrorists as financiers.

“This ploy to list innocent Biafrans as terrorist financiers is a tactic used by the Nigerian state, which has been indicted for several human rights violations, abuses, and killings to suppress Biafrans.

“Neither PM Simon Ekpa nor those innocent Biafrans listed by President Tinubu as terrorist financiers are terrorists and implores the public and any international group or country to disregard these false and negative allegations from the Nigerian state. She said that President Tinubu, his vice, Shettima, and Attorney General of Nigeria Lateef Fagbemi are terrorist financiers as they support policies that reintegrate known terrorists into Nigeria,” Orabueze stated.

She urged Biafrans whose names were listed by President Tinubu as terrorist financiers not to panic or fret.

According to her, the USB will file human rights abuse charges against the Nigerian government at the appropriate court.

“We want to build a country where innocent citizens who fight for freedom and their nation are not tagged as terrorist financiers.

“United States of Biafra will file the necessary documents with the right organisations on this intimidation, false accusation, and economic strangulation.

“The United States of Biafra Mission office in Washington DC will be inaugurated on May 30th, 2025. Part of the event will be a peace summit for Biafrans across the world and a commemoration of Biafra Heroes and Heroines,” she stated.

Akpabio vs Natasha: It’s unfortunate the issue change from seat to bed—Shehu Sani calls for caution

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The former Nigerian senator representing Kaduna state Central, Shehu Sani, has weighed in on the fight between the Senate President and Senator Natasha Uduaghah.

Shehu Sani’s reaction to the saga was made known in a terse comment on his X account on Friday.

Recall on Friday during an Arise Television interview, Natasha Uduaghan had alleged that Akpabio made sexual advances at her, which were turned down, claiming that this is the reason why she is being victimised by the Senate Leader.

Reacting, the Shehu Sani described the development as ‘unfortunate,’ noting an issue that started as controversy about a seat in the Red Chamber has metastasized.

This comes as Sani called for caution and restraint as the fight between the lawmakers took a different turn on Friday.

“It’s unfortunate that the Senate issue was simply about a seat and now about a bed.”.

“Need for caution and restraint,” he posted on Friday.

Earlier, Nigerian Newsphere reports that Natasha Uduaghan obstructed plenary over seating arrangements.

To this end, the fight between Akpabio and Natasha has been a subject of discussion across the media.

 

Nigeria’s NITDA trains 1000 govt workers in IT project clearance processes

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Nigeria’s National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has kicked off a training programme for 1000 civil servants from various ministries, departments, and agencies.

Particularly, the training centred on information technology (IT) project clearance processes aimed at creating a digitally viable workforce in the public sector towards achieving the desired digital transformation mandate of the present administration.

The opening of the capacity-building programme for ICT, budget, finance, and planning officers of federal public institutions, held at the Public Service Institute of Nigeria (PSIN) in Kubwa, Abuja, will be conducted in batches to equip participants with essential knowledge, skills, and best practices.

It aims to enhance collaborative planning, budgeting, and management of ICT system acquisition, deployment, operation, and sustainability in the public sector, ensuring a whole-of-government approach to digital projects.

In his opening remark with the theme, “Empowering Public Sector ICT Excellence Through Strategic Planning and Effective Funding,” the DG NITDA, Kashifu Inuwa CCIE, emphasised the critical role of strategic planning and funding in enhancing public sector service delivery.

While reiterating the agency’s commitment to digital transformation through the implementation of its Strategic Roadmap and Action Plan (SRAP) 2.0, the DG, who was ably represented by the agency’s Director of IT Infrastructure Solutions department, Mr. Oladejo Olawunmi, underscored the importance of equipping public sector employees with the necessary tools and knowledge to drive digital initiatives effectively.

Disclosing that NITDA is spearheading digital transformation efforts through its SRAP 2.0, he stated, “This plan aligns with national priorities and aligns with our strategic pillars such as talent development, digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, innovation, and policy enablement to foster a sustainable digital economy.”.

The DG, Inuwa, acknowledged the challenges hindering digital transformation in the public sector, including inadequate collaboration among stakeholders, short-term project planning, poor ICT infrastructure maintenance, software licencing issues, and insufficient capacity-building. These barriers, he noted, have contributed to suboptimal outcomes in government-led digital initiatives.

Noting that most project stagnations or failures are attributed to inadequate integration of modern trends such as cloud computing, remote support, and enterprise network services into project planning, Inuwa averred that the agency has strengthened its IT projects clearance process to ensure that digital initiatives are well-conceptualised, planned, and executed in alignment with intended objectives.

“While there have been notable achievements, only 12 percent of Federal Public Institutions (FPIs) comply with the process, necessitating a whole-of-government approach for full alignment with national digital transformation goals,” he revealed.

Emphasising that effective resource allocation ensures initiatives are adequately funded and properly executed to deliver real value to the public, he urged participants to manage public funds prudently and prioritise projects that yield measurable outcomes.

“We will explore how to optimise budgeting processes, improve financial oversight, and build systems that ensure transparency and accountability. This event has been structured with your professional development in mind, with sessions led by experts in the field, interactive discussions, and practical case studies that will provide you with actionable knowledge you can apply in your respective roles,” he concluded.

Highlighting the critical role of ICT, project, finance, and planning officers, Inuwa admonished participants to take full advantage of the programme’s sessions, designed to strengthen their expertise in strategic planning, monitoring, evaluation, and financial management.

“Each of you plays a crucial role in the management and distribution of resources, the planning and implementation of programmes, and ultimately the delivery of services to our communities. Together, you form the backbone of efficient and transparent governance,” he concluded.

Nigerian Govt okays new minimum energy performance standard for room ACs

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Stakeholders at a workshop on Minimum Energy Performance Standard for Air Conditioners at the Energy Commission of Nigeria headquarters in Abuja

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved the rollout of new Minimum Energy Performance Standard (MEPS) and energy labelling for air conditioners (ACs) so cooling is more energy efficient, affordable and environmentally friendly.

Air conditioners are among the highest energy-consuming appliances, accounting for over 40 percent of household electricity usage and much of that is wasted due to outdated technology, which is common, locally. This newly approved standard, aligned with international best practices, will help ensure that Nigeria is home to modern appliances which use electricity more optimally than outdated models with power savings that can be redirected to other sectors of the economy. The standard also helps ensure that more climate-friendly refrigerant gasses are used in the equipment, consistent with the Government’s Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) to the Paris Climate Agreement.

The new standard was developed under the project “Scaling Up Energy-Efficient and Climate-Friendly Cooling in Nigeria’s NDC Revision” implemented by the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN) with technical support from the United Nations Environment Programme’s (UNEP) United for Efficiency (U4E) team and funding from the Clean Cooling Collaborative (CCC), and in collaboration with the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON). The MEPS will be implemented in phases, enhancing energy efficiency and transitioning refrigerant gasses used in the equipment.

Three efficiency steps will come into effect over time using the Nigeria Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio (NSEER), an international test method tailored for local weather conditions. From a current performance baseline, energy efficiency must improve 6% by 2026, 36% by 2029, and 48% by 2031.

“Nigeria’s new energy efficiency standard for air conditioners, set to save 11.5 TWh of energy annually by 2040, are a game-changer for Africa. By reducing energy consumption and emissions by 39 million tonnes of CO₂ over the next 15 years, Nigeria is not only lowering costs for consumers but also leading the way toward a more sustainable and greener economy for the continent,” said Dr. Rose Mwebaza, Africa Director and Regional Representative, UNEP.

The transition to climate-friendly refrigerants will also be guided by an upper limit on global warming potential, set to take effect in 2029.

Commenting on this development, the Director-General of the ECN, Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi described the newly approved MEPS as a game changer. “For ECN, we believe that many Nigerians are paying excessive amounts for operating cooling systems. By setting an efficient standard for air conditioning, we are taking steps make use of this vital equipment more affordable and accessible while caring for the environment.”

UNEP-U4E’s Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment expert (middle) instructing technicians and engineers on end-of-life management of Air Conditioners during a workshop at Government Technical College, Kano State, Nigeria.

Following approval of the MEPS, the ECN Director-General emphasized that enforcement would be key. This includes ensuring that labels are provided to manufacturers and importers of air conditioning systems, a process that is currently under discussion by the government He also highlighted the importance of raising awareness among Nigerians about the benefits of energy-efficient products, helping consumers make informed decisions about their energy use.

“The people who consume large amount of electricity, need to understand the benefits of purchasing energy-efficient and climate friendly air conditioning systems. To enhance awareness campaigns, the ECN plans to expand its outreach to sub-national regions, educating consumers about the new MEPS and the impact of their current energy usage on electricity costs. We will also engage vendors, assemblers, and marketers to present solutions,” said Dr. Mustapha Abdullahi.

“In fact, we are already taking action. We recently held a meeting with Daikin which is one of the largest air conditioner manufacturers globally. Like many companies operating in Nigeria, Daikin recognizes the importance of adopting and enforcing the new MEPS and labelling. Given the size of Nigeria’s market, aligning with rigorous international requirements ensures consistency and competitiveness. We are confident based on our in-depth market review and consultations with industry that by 2026, all air conditioners entering the country will meet the standard set by the ECN and SON in collaboration with UNEP U4E. This is a significant step in addressing one of the major challenges in the power sector – reducing energy waste in an affordable manner for consumers and mitigating greenhouse gas emissions” said Abdullahi.

Abdullahi further emphasised that the government remains committed to driving the energy efficiency agenda and promoting environmentally sustainability in the cooling sector. He also revealed that plans to develop a standard and labelling for refrigeration appliances, currently the second-largest consumers of household energy in Nigeria, are already underway.

“UNEP U4E is proud of this accomplishment following years of hard work supporting the Federal Government of Nigeria in its pursuit of sustainable cooling and environmental solutions. We look forward to building on this solid foundation to address additional opportunities around new products and proper training on handling of equipment at the end of its useful life. Alongside regulatory efforts, we are supporting a new consumer finance programme with UNDP to help make the most efficient products more affordable and accessible through the newly launched AGORA project,” noted Brian Holuj, Programme Manager of UNEP U4E.

“As Africa’s largest cooling market and one of the fastest-growing cooling markets in the world, Nigeria’s new standard are a big deal and will ensure that every new air conditioner sold is an efficient one and that the country is no longer a dumping ground for energy-wasting models,” said Noah Horowitz, Senior Director of the Clean Cooling Collaborative which provided funding support for this work. “By significantly reducing cooling-related energy consumption, this standard will not only reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also lower household utility bills across the country, and we hope this bold action serves as a blueprint for other nations in the region to follow.”

Describing Biafrans terrorists violation of human rights—Ekpa’s USB warns Nigerian govt

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Simon Ekpa-led United States of Biafra warned the Nigerian government that tagging Biafrans as terrorists is a violation of human rights.

The Deputy Prime and Chief of Staff of USB, Dr Ngozi Orabueze, disclosed her X account in a statement on Sunday.

According to her, the decision comes after the USB cabinet meets on Saturday to pass a ‘Rights to Self Identity Bill 29.’.

She noted the Nigerian government’s need to recognise that Biafrans have the rights to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and security of person, and the collective right of Indigenous Peoples to live in freedom, peace, and security.

This comes as Orabueze warned against intimidation, harassment, and attacks against Biafrans.

“The United States of Biafra reaffirmed the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which addresses the individual and collective rights of Indigenous Peoples.

“To recognise also that Biafrans have the rights to life, physical and mental integrity, liberty and security of person, and the collective right of Indigenous Peoples to live in freedom, peace, and security is non-negotiable.

The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples emphasises the importance of meaningfully engaging Indigenous Peoples in peace agreement negotiations, transitional justice processes, conflict resolution, mediation, and constructive arrangements.

“This follows the rise in intimidation, harassment, and reprisals against Biafran human rights defenders and Indigenous leaders.

“The United States of Biafra cabinet hereby declares that the crime of being tagged a terrorist for being “Biafran” by the Nigerian regime or any other government of the world is a violation of basic human rights that Biafrans are a free and indigenous people who have every right to their identity, freedom, and membership in the community of world nations on an equal footing,” the statement reads.

Recall that in November 2024, Ekpa was detained by the Finnish government.

Meanwhile, the Emerging African States (OEAS) has called for the release of Ekpa.

Nigeria’s USPF hands over Emerging Tech Centre to Ogun State Institute of Technology

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The Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF) of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has handed over a new Information and Communication Technology (ICT) project to Ogun State Institute of Technology (OGITECH), Igbesa, Ogun State.

The project named: Emerging Technologies Centre (ETC), sited on the Institute’s campus, is aimed at enhancing learning experience of students while providing a platform for digital innovation, research, and development (R&D) for the overall economic growth of Nigeria.

The highlight of the inauguration and handover ceremony on Thursday was the signing of a landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at ensuring effective utilisation and sustainability of the ICT project in the Institute.

The ETC is one of the access projects of the USPF and a significant milestone towards the government’s policy direction to bridge digital divide and promote digital inclusion across Nigeria.

The Centre is equipped with 100 desktop computers, emerging technology applications, bandwidth, and connectivity tools, to provide students and faculty members with access to cutting-edge technology and resources.

Speaking at the official handover ceremony, the USPF Secretary, Yomi Arowosafe, said the Centre represents more than just bricks and mortar. According to him, it embodies a vision, a commitment, and an investment in the future of Ogun State, and by extension, the future of our nation, Nigeria.

“Under the strategic direction of the Hon Minister of the Federal Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, Dr. Bosun Tijani and strategic focus of the Executive Vice Chairman of the NCC, Dr. Aminu Maida, the USPF is vested with the mandate of providing ICT access to the unserved and underserved communities across the country,” he said.

Through strategic implementation, Arowosafe said the USPF has implemented various access and connectivity projects across the six geo-political zones of Nigeria, which has continued positively impact ICT utilisation and deepen connectivity across the country.

“With a student population of 9,300, OGITECH is one of the leading institutions of technology in Nigeria, and we are proud to partner with them to bring this project to fruition. The ETC will not only enhance the learning experience of students but also provide a platform for innovation, research, and development.

“We expect this project to have a significant impact on the institution and the wider community. It will provide opportunities for students to develop skills in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, data analytics, and cybersecurity. It will also enable faculty members to integrate technology into their teaching and research and to collaborate with other institutions and industry partners,” he said.

The USPF Secretary also stated that the ETC will serve as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, providing a platform for start-ups and small businesses to incubate and grow.

“We believe that this project will contribute to the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, and we are proud to be a part of it and we look forward to seeing the impact of this project on the institution and the wider community,” he said.

Arowosafe stated that the MoU signing has been designed as part of sustainability strategy for future projects of USPF, where the beneficiary organisations, group and communities can take ownership of such project and be committed to taking necessary initiatives to ensure it continually serves them without being abandoned after handover by the USPF.

In his remarks during the handover ceremony, the Rector of OGITECH, Dr. Abiodun Oluseye, applauded the NCC and the USPF team for siting the project in the Institute, promising that the project will be put into effective utilisation to benefit not only the Institute abut its entire community.

He also expressed commitment towards ensuring the sustainability of the project, as has been articulated in the joint MoU between the OGITECH and the USPF. “We will ensure the sustainability of the project and work towards putting it into effective use for the benefits of the entire community,” he said.

The USPF was established by the Federal Government of Nigeria to facilitate the achievement of national policy goals for universal access and universal service to ICTs in rural, un-served and under-served areas in Nigeria. The Fund is being managed to facilitate the widest possible access to affordable telecommunications services for greater social equity and inclusion for the people of Nigeria.

 

 

BRGIE rallies US lawmakers in Washington for Biafra recognition—Nkere

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The acting prime minister of the Biafra Republic Government in Exile, Ogechukwu Nkere, rallied United States of America lawmakers in Washington on recognition of Biafra Independence.

Nkere disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday through his X account.

According to him, he had engagements with US Senators and Congresspersons from February 6th to 13th, 2025, in Washington, DC, US, through a lobbying firm, Moran Global Strategies, MGS.

He emphasised that the lawmakers he had an engagements are Brian Schatz (Democrat Hi) of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Senator Bill Haggerty (Republican- TN ), Senator Bernie Moreno (R-OH), Senator Steve Daines (R-MT), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-MS).

 

At a different time, the Biafra leader, Nkere, also met with Congressman Craig Goldman (R-TX), as well as holding a joint meeting with a senior Ambazonia Governing Council (AGovC) delegation with the office of Congressman Gus Bilirakis (R-FL).

He said during the meetings, Nkere briefed the US lawmakers on the Declaration of Independence of the United States of Biafra and urged support for its recognition.

“BRGIE being the only legal entity Recognised by the US department of justice for Biafra Independence has taken a significant diplomatic leap forward following a series of high-level engagements with U.S. Senators and Congresspersons in Washington, DC. This has become imperative after the Declaration Convention held in Lahti, Finland, in 2024, where 517 Biafran delegates globally voted and ratified the Biafra self-referendum conducted from February 1, 2024, to November 28, 2024, and a formal declaration document was extracted with 517 delegates signatures.

“From February 6-13, 2025, these meetings mark a crucial step in solidifying international support for Biafra independence and political & diplomatic recognitions globally.

“During his meetings, APM Nkere had the opportunity to provide detailed informational briefing to the U.S. Senators and Congresspersons regarding the BRGIE and the Declared Restoration of the United States of Biafra, and the reasons why the U.S. should support Biafran independence recognitions.

 

“The landmark engagements signal BRGIE’s growing diplomatic influence and unwavering commitment to securing international recognition for the United States of Biafra.

“We remain resolute in this mission and look forward to continued direct engagement with senior U.S. officials,” the statement reads.

Recall in November 2024, BRGIE declared Biafra Independence during a convention in Finland at the same period its prime minister, Simon Ekpa, was detained.

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