The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has accused the British Government of applying international law selectively, following recent comments by the British Foreign Secretary concerning Israel and real estate development in Jerusalem.
IPOB, in a statement issued on Friday by its spokesperson, Comrade Emma Powerful, said Britain should apply the same principles it invokes when criticising Israel to the case of its leader, Mazi Nnamdi Kanu.
The group said it had taken note of the British Government’s position on developments around Jerusalem but described the stance as evidence of what it called Britain’s “selective outrage” over international law.
According to Powerful, IPOB supports Israel and maintains that Jerusalem is the eternal and undivided capital of Israel.
However, the group questioned Britain’s commitment to international law, particularly over the circumstances surrounding Kanu’s arrest and transfer from Kenya to Nigeria in 2021.
IPOB referred to previous concerns raised by United Nations human rights mechanisms regarding Kanu’s detention and treatment.
The organisation argued that the concerns raised by the UN should not be ignored by Britain, particularly because Kanu is a British citizen.
“Britain must apply international law consistently and not according to political convenience,” the group said.
IPOB alleged that while Britain has been vocal about international law in relation to Israel, it has failed to demonstrate similar concern over what the organisation described as violations of Kanu’s rights.
The group therefore called on the British Government to publicly address the findings and recommendations previously made by UN human rights bodies concerning Kanu’s case.
IPOB also criticised Britain’s position on Israel, arguing that the Jewish people have historical and religious ties to the land of Israel and should be allowed to live throughout their historic homeland.
The group further referenced the 1917 Balfour Declaration, arguing that Britain had historically recognised the Jewish people’s aspirations for a national home in the region.
According to IPOB, Britain should adopt a balanced approach to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict rather than concentrating its criticism on Israel.
The organisation also accused Britain of ignoring issues such as Palestinian terrorism, incitement and the controversial Palestinian Authority policy commonly referred to as “pay for slay.”
IPOB said such issues should also be considered when Britain speaks about international law and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The group subsequently issued a number of demands to the British Government, including public support for the UN’s concerns regarding Kanu, a clear position on his continued detention and pressure on the Nigerian Government to address the issues raised by international human rights bodies.
IPOB also called for an end to what it described as the selective application of international law.
“Britain must choose: respect international law for all, or be exposed as a hypocrite that uses law only as a weapon against its friends,” the statement said.
The group added that it would continue to draw international attention to Kanu’s case and what it described as the wider rights of the Biafran people.
