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Biafra's Campaign Reaches the US |
Simon Ekpa, leader of the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), has taken the Biafra cause to the United States, seeking international support and recognition.
Ekpa, who identifies as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile (BRGIE), has signed a significant lobbying deal worth $130,000 (approximately N205 million) with Moran Global Strategies (MGS), a US-based firm.
This agreement aims to facilitate high-level advocacy and strategic engagement with key stakeholders in Washington D.C., including lawmakers, policymakers, and influential think tanks, to advance the push for an independent Biafra.
This move is seen as a new chapter in the long-standing campaign for Biafran independence, with Ekpa leveraging the global stage to highlight the grievances and aspirations of the Biafran people.
According to a report by Premium Times, the Finland-based agitator applied in June 2024 to engage the services of MGS, owned by former US lawmaker James Moran. The agreement was signed by Moran on June 10, 2024, and by Ekpa on June 12, 2024.
Under the contract, BRGIE will pay MGS a monthly fee of $10,000 (about N15.8 million) for their services. The contract, which began on June 15, 2024, will conclude on June 14, 2025, with monthly fees billed in advance on the first day of each month and due by the 15th.
The contract, renewable annually, states that MGS will assist the separatist leader in convincing the US government and private sectors to support Biafra's secession from Nigeria.
The agreement outlines that MGS will provide strategic advice and facilitate interactions with members of the US Executive and Legislative Branches, as well as third-party interests.
MGS will support Biafra's goal of encouraging the US government to recognize Biafran independence and acknowledge Biafra as the sole representative of the Biafran people.
MGS will promote the narrative to US governmental and non-governmental stakeholders that an independent Biafra, under Biafran stewardship, will be a close ally of the United States and a bulwark against Islamic terrorism in the region.
Additionally, MGS will educate US and non-US stakeholders on issues concerning the Nigerian government, including human rights abuses, religious freedom issues, persecution of Christians, increasing Islamic fundamentalism within the Nigerian government, Nigeria's alignment with US adversaries, and broader security concerns.
The agreement further states that the US government will be encouraged to engage with BRGIE directly and through advocacy by the US Congress and other entities, including faith-based and human rights organizations and think tanks.
