REPS TO PROBE USAID’S ALLEGED FUNDING OF BOKO HARAM

Read Time:1 Minute, 56 Second

The House of Representatives has set up an ad hoc committee to investigate allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is involved in funding Boko Haram and other terrorist organizations in Nigeria.

The House also urged the Federal Government to engage with the U.S. Government through the House Committee on Foreign Affairs to seek a formal clarification on the matter.

The 15-member committee, chaired by Rep. Victor Obuzor (PDP-Rivers), has also been tasked with probing the activities of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) operating in Nigeria, including their identities, sources of funding, and expenditure.

These resolutions were reached following the adoption of a motion titled: “The Need to Investigate the Allegation by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry that USAID Has Allegedly Funded Boko Haram and Other International Terrorist Organizations” moved by Hon. Inuwa Garba during plenary in Abuja.

In his motion, Hon. Garba expressed concern over Congressman Scott Perry’s statement made during the U.S. Subcommittee on Delivering Government Efficiency hearing. Perry alleged that $697 million annually, along with cash shipments, were funneled to ISIS, Al-Qaeda, Boko Haram, and other extremist groups.

Garba argued that, given Boko Haram’s stronghold in Northern Nigeria, the group may have significantly benefitted from these alleged funds.

“If true, the allegation raises serious national and international security concerns and questions about external influences on Nigeria’s fight against insecurity,” Garba said, highlighting the loss of lives, property destruction, and displacement of over a million citizens due to terrorism.

He warned that failure to investigate the claim could embolden criminal groups and exacerbate Nigeria’s security challenges.

Responding to U.S. Ambassador Richard Mills’ dismissal of the allegations as false, Garba insisted the ambassador had no authority to make such a declaration.

“Is he telling us that Donald Trump doesn’t know what’s happening? Is he saying Trump is not qualified to be President of the United States?” Garba questioned, emphasizing that Nigerians have a duty to defend their country without foreign interference.

The House urged the media and the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could assist security agencies in combating terrorism.

The ad hoc committee has been directed to report back to the House within two weeks for further legislative action.