Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC), Nigeria, has described the expulsion of former American college football player-turned humanitarian, Alex Barbir, from Nigeria as a commendable action, citing his statements as capable of inciting violence and deepening divisions, particularly in Plateau State.

The centre, while commending the Federal Government, yesterday, in a statement issued by its Executive Chairman, Disu Kamor, reiterated that such action was necessary towards saving the nation from foreign actors who deem to exploit religious platforms to sow division, incite violence, and aggravate an already fragile security landscape in the country.

The statement read in part: “Evidence available in the public domain has linked Alex Barbir to inflammatory rhetoric and activities capable of worsening the volatile situation in Plateau State. His utterances and engagements went beyond the boundaries of religious expression and entered the dangerous territory of incitement, contributing to tensions that have tragically resulted in loss of lives.

“MPAC states unequivocally: Alex Barbir was not in Nigeria to preach the message of peace, compassion, and coexistence as exemplified by Jesus Christ (AS). Rather, he operated under the guise of missionary and humanitarian work while actively promoting a divisive and dangerous ideology aimed at mobilising vulnerable youths towards violence and hate-driven actions.”

The centre, however, insisted that his expulsion must mark the beginning and not the end of accountability, calling for a comprehensive investigation into all individuals and networks that collaborated with Alex Barbir within Nigeria.

MPAC also urged authorities to scrutinise and prosecute any Nigerian or foreign national found to have facilitated, sponsored or supported activities that incite violence or deepen sectarian divisions, warning that national security must not be compromised by individuals acting as agents knowingly or otherwise of foreign interests.

Also confirming the expulsion yesterday, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Community Engagement (North Central), Abiodun Essiet, said the decision followed an assessment of Barbir’s activities and public statements.

“Yeah, so we’ve realised what Alex Barbir has done, so I must inform you that Alex Barbir is no longer in Nigeria,” she said.