Biafran passport: What Obama, Cameron, MASSOB actually said
Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) said Biafran passport, except in Nigeria, is valid worldwide.
At least two world powers have come out to rubbish that statement.
We’re not sure if Biafran passport is accepted elsewhere in the world. But we can tell you they aren’t in the United States, and in the United Kingdom.
Of course, the passport is not accepted in Nigeria. You wouldn’t want to do some time in Kuje Prison.
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Let’s see what MASSOB, the US, and the UK say on the issue.
MASSOB spokesperson Sunny Okereafor:
I assure you that the Biafran passport is valid. Except Nigeria, other countries of the world accept Biafran passport and allow our citizens to travel with it. In Europe, North and South America, Biafran passport is accepted. Nigeria is the only country that seizes Biafran passport. Go to neighbouring Ghana here, they will stamp the passport for you. Don’t be confused by the propaganda of the Nigerian government that there is nothing like Biafra passport.
“MASSOB appeals to Biafran citizens to procure their passport and use it to travel. If you doubt me, get a Nigerian passport while I have my Biafran passport; when we get to Europe, you will see who they will welcome than the other. Many people with the Nigerian passport have been repatriated, but have you heard of anybody with Biafran passport receiving such ill-treatment?
The Deputy Public Affairs Officer at the US consulate in Lagos, Frank Sellin:
The United States does not consider passports purporting to be from a Biafra entity to be a valid legal document for purposes of visa issuance.
The Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High Commission, Abuja, Mr. Joe Abuku:
The answer is unequivocally ‘no’. The UK does not recognise the so-called Biafran passport
The position of the UK Government during the Biafran War is a matter of historical record. The UK Government’s position, which reflected the Charter of the Organisation of African Unity, was to recognise the borders laid down at independence.
The Biafran War caused great suffering and the UK supported the reconciliation work that followed the conflict. The UK supports the territorial integrity of Nigeria and the Nigerian Government’s commitment to work for a secure and prosperous Nigeria for all Nigerians.
So the governments of Barack Obama and David Cameron don’t accept Biafran passport?
Who’s lying here? MASSOB?.
