...as Simon Ekpa signs N205m lobby deal
Leader of the Autopilot faction of the Indigenous People of Biafra, IPOB, Simon Ekpa, has taken the Biafra case to the United States, seeking international support and recognition for the cause.
Ekpa, who prides himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government In-Exile, BRGIE, signed a substantial lobby deal, worth $130,000 (approximately N205 million), with a US-based firm, Moran Global Strategies, MGS.
The deal is expected to facilitate high-level advocacy and strategic engagement with key stakeholders in Washington D.C., including lawmakers, policymakers, and influential think tanks to advance agitation for the independent state of Biafra.
This move, it is believed, marks a new chapter in the long-running campaign for Biafran independence, as Ekpa aims to leverage the global stage to bring attention to the grievances and aspirations of the Biafran people.
According to a Premium Times report, the Finland-based agitator applied in June 2024 to engage the services of MGS, owned by a former US lawmaker, James Moran. The letter of agreement was signed by Mr Moran himself for the lobbying firm on June 10, 2024, while Mr Ekpa signed on behalf of the BRGIE on June 12, 2024.
According to the contract deal, BRGIE will pay MGS a monthly fee of $10,000 (about N15.8 million) for services provided. The document shows that the contract commenced on 15 June 2024 and would be concluded on 14 June 2025. Monthly fees would be billed in advance on the first day of each month and due on or before the 15th day.
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The contract, renewable upon expiration on an annual basis, says MGS will help the separatist leader to convince the US government and private sectors to support the secession of Biafra 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.
