- Safiu Kehinde
The Nigerian Senate has invited the National Security Adviser; Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the Department of States Service (DSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other security chiefs for a closed-door session over the alleged funding of Boko Haram terrorist group by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).
Reacting to the allegation melted against USAID by US Congressman, Scott Perry, the Senate stressed the need to consult the security chiefs and agencies before making statement on the allegation.
This was made known by the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, at the Red Chamber’s plenary session on Wednesday.
Akpabio stated that just as the US Senate and US Congress will not delve into allegations on social media without inviting their security chiefs, the Senate also need to be briefed by the Nigerian security chiefs before it can make comment.
While admitting to the devastation that the Boko Haram sect have caused over the years, Akpabio lauded President Bola Tinubu’s effort in curtail the insurgents.
“The US Senate and the US Congress will not delve into allegations on social media. And if they have to, they will invite their security chiefs who get details. So the National Security Adviser, the NIA, DSS, and DIA, we must hear from them in close session so that they can brief us because they have data. They know the records and will know the veracity of the situation.
“I will like Senator Ningi to move a motion that we invite those people to brief the Senate in closed session before we can make comment on this in the open.
“In the meantime, we note the allegation, and we also know the devastation that Boko Haram has caused the nation.
“We commend President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for being able to tackle the situation to a point where no territory in the country today is hoisting the flag of Boko Haram.” the Senate President said.
The motion for the invitation was moved by Sen. Abdul Ahmed Ningi and seconded by Sen. Ali Ndume.
Before seconding the motion, Ndume clarified that the allegation was made by US Congressman, Scot Perry, and not a social media thing as earlier mentioned by the Senate President.
“In seconding the motion, I want to say that the allegation was made by Scott Perry. It was not a social media thing, and I agree that such issue should be discussed in closed session.
“But Mr. President, this is not social media stuff and investigation is going on right now in the United States Congress.
“Also today, the President, Donald Trump, said specifically that in that investigation, the support given to Nigerian so far should also be investigated.” Ndume said.
Reacting, Akpabio maintained that the US is going through a political metamorphosis with exchange of allegations between the new administration and old administration.
“Thank you. I also want you to note that America is going through a political metamorphosis. It’s almost like one political party taking over from another political party and allegations flying left, right, centre.
“It’s only through thorough investigation that the truth can be established. Even America has not taken the allegation hook, line, and sinker. They are investigating.
“So, Nigeria must also investigate the issue. We won’t just keep quiet.
“If it is true that USAID have been funding Boko Haram in Nigeria, we have no business allowing them to have offices in Nigeria.” he said.