Lawmaker Ndume Calls for Probe into USAID Funding of Boko Haram

In a recent development, Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South Senatorial District, has urged the Federal Government to investigate a claim made by US Congressman Scott Perry that the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) funded terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram. 

According to Ndume, the Nigerian government should take Perry’s revelation seriously, considering the long-standing suspicions that foreign humanitarian agencies operating in the country’s North-East zone have been sponsoring terrorist activities. Ndume emphasized that Boko Haram has ravaged not only the North-East but also other parts of Nigeria, resulting in millions of displaced people and over 50,000 deaths in the past two decades.

Ndume’s call for a probe is supported by his experience as a former Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, where he had access to intelligence reports and witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of Boko Haram’s activities. He recalled instances where the Nigerian Army and security agencies had raided offices of USAID and other NGOs in Maiduguri, uncovering evidence of suspicious activities.

The lawmaker also expressed concern that Nigeria has been relying too heavily on foreign aid, stating that the country should be giving out humanitarian assistance to other nations instead of receiving it. He attributed Nigeria’s inability to achieve this to poor leadership, emphasizing the need for effective governance to tap into the country’s resources and potential.

US Congressman Scott Perry’s allegations against USAID have sparked a heated debate, with some questioning the validity of his claims. However, Ndume’s call for a probe highlights the importance of investigating these allegations thoroughly, given the severity of the consequences if true.

In response to Perry’s allegations, USAID has yet to release an official statement. However, it is essential to note that USAID has been providing humanitarian assistance to Nigeria, particularly in the North-East region, to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the Boko Haram insurgency.