Nigerian Senator Ali Ndume has urged the Federal Government to investigate allegations made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) has indirectly funded terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, ISIS, and Al-Qaeda. Ndume, who represents Borno South, described the claims as serious and called for a thorough review to ascertain their validity.
Background of the Allegation
Congressman Scott Perry, a Republican from Pennsylvania, made the claim during the inaugural hearing of the Subcommittee on Delivering on Government Efficiency last Thursday. During the hearing, titled “The War on Waste: Stamping Out the Scourge of Improper Payments and Fraud,” Perry alleged that $697 million in U.S. aid had been funneled to terrorist groups. He also questioned the use of $136 million that USAID had allocated for the construction of 120 schools in Pakistan, claiming there was no evidence of their existence.
Ndume’s Response and Concerns
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Ndume emphasized that the allegations should not be dismissed without proper investigation. He urged the Nigerian government and the National Assembly to probe the claims to determine if there was any truth to them.
He stated, “You can’t say it’s just an allegation; it’s more than that. That’s why the Nigerian government and the National Assembly, especially, need to look into it to investigate and verify the veracity of such a very weighty allegation.”
Ndume expressed deep concern over the implications of the allegation, particularly because Boko Haram has been a major source of instability in Nigeria, affecting not just the North-East but also other parts of the country.
Concerns Over NGO Operations in Borno
Ndume recalled past incidents that raised suspicions about certain NGOs operating in Borno State. He referenced intelligence-led raids conducted under the tenure of former Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Buratai, which targeted USAID and UN offices in Maiduguri. He also mentioned a raid on an NGO suspected of training its staff in firearm use.
“We have been wondering for all these years where these people are getting money,” Ndume said, implying that Nigerian security agencies have long harbored concerns about external funding sources for terrorist activities. (reuters.com)
Debunking the Allegations
While Ndume’s call for an investigation reflects the seriousness of the claims, it is important to note that Congressman Perry’s allegations have been widely scrutinized. Fact-checkers and investigative reports have found no credible evidence to support his assertions that USAID directly or indirectly funds terrorist groups. USAID is a U.S. government agency dedicated to global development and humanitarian efforts, and there has been no documented proof linking it to terror financing.
Calls for Greater Oversight and Transparency
Despite skepticism over the claim, Ndume insists that Nigeria must remain vigilant in monitoring the activities of international organizations operating within its borders. He stressed that if any international funding is being misused to support insurgency, it must be identified and curtailed. At the same time, he acknowledged that many NGOs have played crucial roles in providing humanitarian aid to victims of Boko Haram’s violence.
Conclusion
The Nigerian government has not yet responded to Ndume’s request for an investigation. Given the scale of Nigeria’s fight against terrorism, scrutiny over funding sources remains a critical issue. However, it is essential that investigations are based on verified facts and not unproven allegations that could undermine international partnerships crucial to Nigeria’s counterterrorism efforts.
