FG Slams US Non-Profit Organization over terrorism sponsorship allegation

By Peter Usman://

The Federal Government has described the allegation by a US-based

Non-profit organization that the Nigerian government is a sponsor of

terrorism, as a disgusting distraction orchestrated by those seeking

to weaken the ongoing massive onslaught against terrorism and

banditry.

In a statement issued, the Minister of Information and

Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said the so-called Global Advocates for

Terrorism Eradication, GATE is a pesky irritant that should be

ignored, especially because it is as confused as it is irresponsible.

”This organization called GATE is not even worth the ink with which

its name is written. How can a serious organization accuse a

Government that is tackling the twin evil of terrorism and banditry

with uncommon determination of sponsoring terrorism?

”Is it not curious that this organisation has chosen this particular

time, when terrorists are either surrendering in droves or running

helter-skelter, as a result of a renewed offensive against them by the

military, to orchestrate a distraction? What could be GATE’s motive if

not to weaken the fight against terror and banditry?

”GATE and its sponsors should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves and

should quit trying to distract our gallant troops who are doing

everything possible, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep

our country safe,” the Minister said.

Alhaji Mohammed said the fact that GATE, in making its absurd

allegation, relied on the words of a thoroughly-discredited,

fake-news-peddling former Nigerian Navy intelligence officer has shown

the hollowness of its allegation.

”In the fight against terrorism, Nigeria has availed itself

creditably by tackling home-grown terrorists with links to global

terrorist organizations. We make bold to say that no administration in

Nigeria has risen to the challenge of terrorism like the Buhari

Administration has done.

”The acquisition of a myriad of platforms, the boost to the morale of

our fighting forces and the leadership provided by President Muhammadu

Buhari have combined to put our gallant troops in good stead to

frontally confront and put on the run the terrorists. Fittingly,

Nigeria’s efforts at tackling terrorism have been hailed globally.

”What our gallant men and women need at this time is the support,

encouragement and prayers of all, not the distracting antics of a

relevance-seeking, feckless organization masquerading as a terrorism

eradication advocate,” he said.