…urge media, citizens to remain vigilant, share information
By Gloria Ikibah
The House of Representatives has established a Special Committee to investigate allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry.
The House has also directed its Committees on National Security, Intelligence, Defence, Foreign Affairs, and Inter-Governmental Affairs to examine the operations of Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) in Nigeria. This includes verifying their identities, sources of funding, and financial activities.
The House has also urged the Federal Government to engage with the U.S. Government through the Foreign Affairs Committee for a formal clarification on the matter.
Lawmakers called on the media and public to remain vigilant and share relevant information that could aid security agencies in countering terrorism.
These resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Inuwa Garba regarding the need to investigate Perry’s claim that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) allegedly funded Boko Haram and other terrorist groups.
During the debate, the House expressed concern over Perry’s statements during the inaugural hearing of the U.S. Sub-Committee on Delivering on Government Efficiency, where he alleged that $697 million was spent annually on activities linked to terrorist organizations.
Rep. Garba highlighted that many Nigerians have raised concerns over certain NGOs operating in Northern Nigeria, particularly in areas where military presence is limited.
He said: “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 counterterroris operations while also seeking international cooperation to curb the menace”.
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.
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.