Ali Ndume, the lawmaker representing Borno South Senatorial District, has called on the Federal Government to investigate a claim made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry. Perry alleged that the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funded terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram.
“You can’t dismiss it as just an allegation; it’s more than that,” said Ndume, the former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, during his appearance on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics program.
“This is a serious matter, and that’s why the Nigerian government and the National Assembly, in particular, need to look into it, investigate, and verify the credibility of such a significant claim.”
Ndume, who has served in the National Assembly for over 20 consecutive years, emphasized that the Nigerian government should take the U.S. congressman’s revelation seriously, especially in light of longstanding suspicions about the involvement of foreign humanitarian organizations in the funding of terrorism in Nigeria’s insurgency-hit North-East region.
He expressed concern over Perry’s claim, particularly since Boko Haram was mentioned as one of the groups allegedly funded. “This development is deeply troubling, as Boko Haram has devastated not only the North-East but also other parts of Nigeria,” Ndume said.
“You may recall that Boko Haram attacked the police headquarters and the UN office in Abuja, causing significant casualties. This is an issue the Nigerian government must address.”
Ndume also highlighted that Nigerian security agencies had previously raised concerns about the activities of foreign NGOs operating in the region. “During General Tukur Buratai’s tenure, the Nigerian Army acted on intelligence and raided the offices of USAID and the UN in Maiduguri. There was also an instance when the state government, acting on security intelligence, raided an NGO suspected of training personnel to use firearms,” Ndume recalled.
“We have long wondered where these groups are getting their funding.”
Nigeria should shift from receiving to giving aid
The APC lawmaker also pointed out the grave consequences of the insurgency, noting that millions have been displaced and more than 50,000 lives lost in the two-decade-long conflict across Borno, Yobe, and Adamawa states.
He further stated that Nigeria, as a resource-rich country, should be in a position to offer humanitarian assistance to others, rather than rely on foreign aid. “The fact that we continue to depend on aid from other countries is problematic. Nigeria should be in a position to provide aid, not receive it,” Ndume declared.
“This should serve as a wake-up call for our government. We have abundant resources; the issue lies in our leadership. We need to address this so we can fully harness our potential and thrive.”
