IPOB accuses Britain of hypocrisy for condemning Israeli expansion of Jerusalem settlement
The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) have issued a response to the British government’s denunciation of Israel’s construction of permanent structures in Jerusalem.
British Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband criticized Israel’s advancement of the E1 settlement project to the east of Jerusalem, labeling the action as an “unacceptable and destructive act.” He expressed concerns that this development could sever the West Bank from East Jerusalem and undermine hopes for a two-state solution.
In a statement released Friday, IPOB spokesperson Emma Powerful accused the British government of hypocrisy, claiming it has failed to condemn the detention of its member, Nnamdi Kanu, by Nigerian authorities.
IPOB alleged that rather than addressing Kanu’s situation, the British government has, in fact, aided Nigeria in disregarding a United Nations resolution advocating for Kanu’s release.
“The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), under the leadership of Onyendu Mazi Nnamdi Kanu, acknowledges the recent comments by the British Foreign Secretary concerning real estate development in Jerusalem,” the statement said. “While we stand firmly with Israel and recognize Jerusalem as its eternal capital, we must highlight the hypocrisy of the British government.”
IPOB referenced a United Nations Human Rights Council finding that formally indicted Nigeria for significant violations of international law relating to Kanu’s case. They asserted that Kanu had been subjected to torture and extraordinary rendition after being kidnapped from Kenya and returned to Nigeria in 2021.
The group also pointed to the UN Working Group’s call for Kanu’s immediate release and compensation for the violations he experienced, labeling these findings as a critique from global human rights authorities rather than IPOB’s own assertions.
“In stark contrast to Britain’s current lectures on ‘international law,’ the same government turned a blind eye to the torture of a British citizen,” IPOB stated. “This one-sided condemnation of Israel overlooks Palestinian terrorism and incitement while harming the Jewish community in Britain.”
IPOB affirmed the Jewish people’s historical rights to the land of Israel, stating, “We reject the patronizing tone of the British government’s statements. Jerusalem is, and will always be, part of Israel.”
The group further called on the British government to publicly support the UN Human Rights Council’s ruling regarding Kanu, urge Nigeria to release him, and cease the selective application of international law based on political convenience.
IPOB concluded by criticizing the British government’s approach to international law and its impact on relations, stating that it should either respect international law universally or risk exposure as hypocritical.
In related developments, the Israeli Knesset recently raised concerns regarding Nnamdi Kanu’s situation during an event attended by an IPOB delegation. Additionally, Israeli strategic advisor Noga Arbel criticized Britain’s support of colonial policies in Nigeria during a program on Israel’s Channel 14.
