A Rejoinder: USA Ignores A Small African Terrorist Group (IPOB), At It's Peril

 A Rejoinder: USA Ignores A Small African Terrorist Group (IPOB), At It's Peril

A grossly uninformed, half-baked and uncultured journalist by name, Ivan Sascha Sheehan, recently wrote an opinionated article which was published by Washington Times, referring to the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), as a terrorist organization. The most unfortunate thing that has happened in the beautiful profession of journalism, is the unchecked influx of players with inclined disinformation. The identity of journalism as the fourth estate totally means nothing to them as it runs parallel to their pecuniary path. For record purposes, the article is nothing less than a calumny.

David Hundeyin, an award winning investigative journalist, wrote an article about the Fulani sponsors and terrorists in the British contraption called Nigeria – as the real terrorists. The report was titled: “Cornflakes for Jihad: The Boko Haram Origin Story.” With the level of sophistication of the news media and the unending access to intelligence organizations, Mr. Ivan Sascha Sheehan, already knew that unless he wanted us to believe that the dwellers in a tyrannical country like Nigeria, with limited access and enormous challenges, has better and reliable sources or that he chosen to take sides. It is probably the latter, judging by the acerbic language and beer parlor gossip statement, that cannot stand in the law court of a Democratic Republic that the United States of America truly represents.

Any journalist that knows his onions within journalistic calling, will be balanced, accurate and truthful. For a journalist to push a narrative and portray absolute falsehood, is an indication of conflict of interest. The crass disregard for journalism principles, without mentioning the genocide of Biafrans before, during and after the 1967-1970 war, is rather misleading and spectacularly arranged for that purpose. The question then is, why? Why would a claimant of the descendants of the reputable fourth estate, choose the oppressors over the oppressed?

It is either that this amateur and jaundiced journalist does not really understand the difference between a terror organization and a freedom fighting movement or he was contracted to act to add up to the collection of clowns running a circus. For the purpose of clarity, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), ably led by Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, is a non-violent and peaceful movement of the Biafran people, seeking self-determination. They do not kill, destroy or engage in any illegal activity. On the contrary, they are the victims of police brutality and official state over-reach. Everyone in the intelligence community knows this. Surely, it is impossible and inexcusable that Mr. Ivan Sascha Sheehan, did not actually understand the full import of what he delved into or that he rather chose to do a yooman’s job. No intelligence agency with a knack for truth or zero tolerance for corruption, will recommend the designation of IPOB as a terrorist organization. 

By mentioning the grazing route in a way that promotes an outdated and unfashionable practice as an economic lifeline, while failing to point out the economic and human costs being suffered by both Christian and Judeo-Christian communities, clearly portray all you need to know about his objectivity. The killing of security personnel and burning of police stations stem from the Special Anti Robbery Squad (SARS) police brutality that culminated into a nationwide #EndSars protest. It has absolutely nothing to do with IPOB. As evidenced on the 20th of October 2021, there will be a nationwide anniversary of the killing of protesters by the murderous Nigerian soldiers at Lekki toll gate in Lagos and Obigbo in Rivers State.

The Eastern Security Network (ESN), was formed to help protect farmers and farmlands from the murderous incursion of Fulani Islamic herders who are marauding with AK47, in the order of Wahhabism and Salafism. An outlaid extreme and radical practice of Islam from Saudi Arabia. This IPOB security outfit is known for it's discipline. It's mandate has not been compromised. That this blackmail will be certified for publication by the editorial board of Washington Times, is really shocking but not surprising. It is a pattern that has been repeated and it is shameful, to say the least.

The United States of America and of course, the Department of Justice (DOJ), with all its fault line, is still a beacon of hope for all persecuted people. Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) is a designation done by the Secretary of State. IPOB is a victim of terrorism. It is laughable therefore, to suggest that the victim should be placed on a watch list. That will be a grave injustice and America being the last beacon of hope for freedom, must therefore, step up her game in the protection of the oppressed rather than the oppressor.

Written by Chibueze Daniel

Edited by Chukwuemeka Okechukwu

For Family Writers Press International.