The House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the recent allegations by a US Congressman Scott Perry, that the United States Agency For International Development, USAID funds Boko Haram activities of and other insurgency groups in Nigeria.
The House also set up a special committee to investigate the activities of non-governmental organisations in Nigeria, their real identities, sources of funding, and what they spend their money on and report back in two weeks.
The resolutions followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance on Urgent Public Importance on “The Need To Investigate The Allegation By U.s. Congressman, Scott Perry That United States Agency For International Development (Usaid) Has Allegedly Funded Boko Haram And Other International Terrorist Organisations,” sponsored by Mr. Inuwa Garba.
Leading the debate on the motion, Mr. Garba said that the House observed that scores of patriotic Nigerians have expressed deep concerns over the activities of these NGOs who traverse the nooks and crannies of Northern Nigeria where the military dare not operate.
Seeking international cooperation
He said that there are enormous resources to counter terrorism operations while also seeking international cooperation to curb the menace.
“Also Notes that Scott Perry made this claim during the inaugural hearing of the SubCommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency where he claimed that “$697million (were spent) annually plus shipments of cash funds in Madrasas, ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram,” etc.
“Believes that with Boko Haram’s dominant presence in Northern Nigeria, it is safe to assume that it (Boko Haram) had significantly benefitted from this funding as alleged by Scott Perry.
“Further Notes that the allegation, if true, raises serious national and international security concerns and questions about external influences on Nigeria’s fight against insecurity, which has led to significant loss of lives, destruction of property, and displacement of over one million citizens over the years.
“Aware that Nigeria has been battling insurgency and terrorism for over a decade, with the government committing enormous resources to counter terrorism operations while also seeking international cooperation to curb the menace.
“Concerned that such an allegation, if not thoroughly investigated, could undermine Nigeria’s sovereignty, compromise national security efforts, and diminish public confidence in the fight against terrorism.
“Worried that failure to unearth the truth behind this weighty claim could embolden criminal and terrorist elements, further exacerbating the insecurity challenges confronting the country,” the motion said.
Formal clarification
The House also requested that the Nigerian government engage with the U.S. Government through the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to obtain a formal clarification on the matter.
The lawmaker expressed fears that if left uninvestigated, such an allegation could threaten Nigeria’s sovereignty, weaken national security efforts, and erode public trust in the fight against terrorism.
“Worried that failure to unearth the truth behind this weighty claim could embolden criminal and terrorist elements, further exacerbating the insecurity challenges confronting the country,” the motion read.
Further legislative action
The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated the House Committees on Legislative Compliance, National Security and Intelligence, Foreign Affairs, Inter-Parliamentary Relations and Defence to ensure compliance and report back to plenary in four weeks for further legislative action.
Speaking to journalists after plenary, Mr. Garba expressed his emotional amazement at the allegations, which he described as deeply troubling.
He noted that Nigeria has suffered greatly from terrorism, particularly from Boko Haram, and that any claims of international support for such groups must be thoroughly investigated.
Impact of terrorism
Mr. Garba also highlighted the devastating impact of terrorism on Nigeria, citing the large number of people living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps and the economic and social disruption caused by the violence.
He called on the federal government to mandate national security and intelligence agencies to investigate the allegations and to ensure that any aid provided by USAID is transparent and credible.
Lateefah Ibrahim
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