From: Daure David
A week has passed since a top US government official made a startling revelation: the United States, through its agency USAID, has been inadvertently funding Boko Haram, the notorious terrorist group that has ravaged Nigeria’s northeastern states for over a decade. Shockingly, the Nigerian government, led by the APC administration, has remained eerily silent.
In the face of such a serious allegation, the failure of the government to issue a statement of outrage or to take decisive action raises troubling questions about the nature of the relationship between Nigeria and its international allies in the fight against terrorism.
This revelation comes at a time when the battle against Boko Haram is far from won. Thousands of lives have been lost, millions have been displaced, and the country's economic fabric has been severely weakened by the sustained insurgency.
For years, Nigeria has relied on its allies, including the United States, for military and economic support in its war on terror. The claim that USAID has been involved, either directly or indirectly, in funding one of the most lethal terrorist organizations in Africa raises significant concerns about the extent to which Nigeria's national security may have been compromised by foreign interventions.
The key question that the APC-led administration must address is whether the Nigerian government was aware of this arrangement all along. Did they know that a US government agency, albeit unintentionally, had been aiding a group that has killed and maimed thousands of innocent Nigerians? Or, more disturbingly, was the Nigerian government in some form of tacit collusion with Boko Haram, using foreign aid as a cover for covert operations or other undisclosed arrangements? This conspiracy theory is, of course, speculative, but the government's refusal to speak out on the matter only fuels suspicions.
One cannot help but wonder: If the tables were turned, would the APC government have remained silent if such an accusation were made about Nigeria's involvement in sponsoring terrorism abroad? It is a question that deserves an answer, especially from those who are entrusted with the nation's security. The government must reassure the Nigerian public that their interests are being protected and that such grave allegations will be thoroughly investigated.
The silence on this matter does more than raise eyebrows; it breeds distrust. Nigerians have long questioned the government's commitment to securing the country and protecting its citizens. The absence of a strong, public condemnation of the allegations gives the impression that the APC government is either complicit in the wrongdoing or too weak to stand up to the powerful forces at play. The Nigerian people deserve better.
To date, the only response from government officials has been a dismissive shrug, perhaps hoping that the story will fade from the headlines. But this is not just another passing scandal. This is a national security issue that must be addressed with the utmost seriousness. If the US has been inadvertently funding Boko Haram, then the Nigerian government has an obligation to investigate and hold those responsible accountable.
However, the APC-led administration must come out of its silence and address the serious implications of these revelations. It is not enough to ignore the claims or sweep them under the rug. Nigerians are entitled to know the truth. The failure to respond is not just a diplomatic failure; it is a betrayal of the people who depend on their government for protection from terror. The time for silence has passed—accountability is now demanded.
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