In a shocking revelation, President-elect Donald Trump’s newly appointed Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, has been found to have worked with the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) movement through her lobbying firm in 2019.
This development has sparked interest in the international community, particularly in Nigeria, where IPOB is advocating for an independent nation known as Biafra.
Wiles, who played a crucial role in Trump’s successful campaigns, will be the first woman to serve as Chief of Staff. Trump praised Wiles, saying, “Susie Wiles just helped me achieve one of the greatest political victories in American history… Susie is tough, smart, innovative, and is universally admired and respected.”
As co-chair of Mercury Public Affairs, Wiles’ firm was hired by IPOB in 2019 to lobby the US Congress and State Department on promoting human rights and democracy in Nigeria. The contract, valued at $85,000 per month, was reported by (link unavailable) in 2021. However, Mercury Public Affairs only disclosed $254,000 in payments with the US Department of Justice for all of last year.
The emergence of Trump as President has intensified hope for an independent Biafra. Messages circulating in Biafran agitation groups hail Trump’s victory as “an inspiration to Biafrans all over the world.” Self-proclaimed Biafra Prime Minister Simon Ekpa stated, “As a reemerging nation, the United States of Biafra looks forward to the USA’s commitment to the principles of self-determination and the freedom of people to choose their own form of government.”
IPOB’s leadership, particularly the Directorate of State (DOS) headed by Mazi Chika Edoziem, has been instrumental in advancing the cause of Biafra. Edoziem’s congratulatory message to Trump, sent before Nigeria’s president, highlights IPOB’s growing diplomatic ties. Intelligence reports suggest IPOB has established close relationships with Russian President Vladimir Putin and the British Prime Minister.
Wiles’ involvement with IPOB raises questions about Trump’s stance on Biafra’s independence. As Chief of Staff, Wiles’ past work with IPOB will undoubtedly be closely watched. The Republic of Biafra, dominated by the Igbo ethnic group, has been advocating for independence since 1967. With Trump’s victory, the quest for the restoration of Biafra may become a reality.
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