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The Senate has agreed to invite the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the heads of the Department of State Services (DSS), Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), and the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) following the allegation that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded Boko Haram terrorists.
This decision followed a motion moved by the Senator representing Bauchi Central, Abdul Ningi, who called for a closed session with the security heads concerning the allegation.
The motion was seconded by the Senator representing Borno South, Ali Ndume, who pointed out to the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, that the allegation was not a social media speculation but one made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry.
“Mr. President, this is not a social media issue, and the investigation is ongoing right now in the United States Congress. Also, today, President Donald Trump specifically said that the support given to Nigeria so far should be investigated,” he said.
In his remarks, Akpabio acknowledged the allegation and noted the devastation that Boko Haram had caused the nation.
He also commended President Bola Tinubu for tackling the situation to the extent that no territory in the country is currently hoisting the flag of Boko Haram.
“Whether we like it or not, he has done a very difficult job well, and so we must commend him across party lines,” he said.
“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, and allegations are flying left, right, and center. It is only through a thorough investigation that the truth can be established.
“Even America has not accepted the allegation hook, line, and sinker. They are investigating. So Nigeria must also investigate to be sure, because we cannot just keep quiet if USAID has been funding Boko Haram in Nigeria.
“We have no business allowing them to have offices in Nigeria. So before we can take decisive steps and also ask for recompense, we must go deeper into the issue.
“So it is important that we get briefed by our intelligence community.”
