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US DENIES FUNDING BOKO HARAM, REITERATES SUPPORT FOR NIGERIA

The United States government has categorically denied allegations that it has been funding Boko Haram, a terrorist organization that has been wreaking havoc in Nigeria and other parts of West Africa. The denial was made by the US Ambassador to Nigeria, Richard M. Mills Jr., who described the allegations as false and reiterated the US government’s commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism. The allegations were initially made by US Congressman Scott Perry, who claimed that the US Agency for International Development (USAID) had been funding terrorist organizations, including Boko Haram, to the tune of $697 million annually. However, Ambassador Mills Jr. stated that there was “absolutely no evidence” to support the claim, and that the US government would immediately investigate any evidence of funding being diverted to Boko Haram. “We stand with the Nigerian government and its people in their fight against terrorism and are committed to supporting efforts to eliminate the threat posed by Boko Haram and other extremist groups,” Ambassador Mills Jr. said. He also noted that the US government had labelled Boko Haram a foreign terrorist organization since 2013, and had policies and procedures in place to prevent USAID funding from being diverted to terrorist groups. Boko Haram has been causing havoc in North East Nigeria for over 15 years, killing tens of thousands of people and displacing millions. The US government’s denial of funding the group is a welcome development, and its commitment to supporting Nigeria in its fight against terrorism is a positive step towards ending the insurgency.

US GOVERNMENT ASSURES CONTINUED MONITORING OF AID TO NIGERIA AMID TERRORISM CONCERNS

The United States government has reaffirmed its commitment to closely monitoring and evaluating aid allocated to Nigeria and other countries. This assurance comes after US President Donald Trump’s decision to suspend all foreign aid for 90 days, citing concerns about global destabilization and misalignment with American interests. The move is also in response to growing calls for a comprehensive review of US Agency for International Development (USAID) health funds. Republican Representative Perry from Pennsylvania had claimed that USAID financed terrorist groups, including Boko Haram, through annual funds amounting to $697 million. The US Mission to Nigeria has confirmed that monitoring systems are in place to track past assistance provided by the US government. The Mission also strongly condemned the ongoing violence and loss of life caused by Boko Haram in Nigeria. “The Secretary of State designated Boko Haram a Foreign Terrorist Organization on November 14, 2013, to block the organization’s assets and fundraising efforts, prosecute individual members, and restrict their travel to the United States,” the US Mission stated. Senator Ndume from Borno, the epicenter of the Boko Haram onslaught, has urged the federal government to investigate the claim and focus on becoming self-sufficient rather than relying on foreign aid. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff General Christopher Musa has called on the United Nations to investigate the funding and training of Boko Haram terrorists, citing international conspiracy in providing the group with funds, training, and equipment. “The UN needs to come in because we need to trace the funding. It is an international flow, and we don’t have control over that,” General Musa said.

NIGERIA-US RELATIONS STRENGTHEN AS RT. HON. KWAMOTI B. LAORI HOSTS SENIOR US EMBASSY OFFICIALS

Rt. Hon. Kwamoti B. Laori, Chairman of the House Committee on Cooperation and Integration in Africa, welcomed Senior Political Officers from the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, including Sophia M. Skupien and Cassandra Carraway. The visit aimed to foster dialogue and explore potential areas for collaboration between Nigeria and the United States. Discussions focused on U.S.-Nigeria relations, security cooperation, economic growth, humanitarian responses, and the promotion of democracy and human rights. Rep. Kwamoti outlined the legislative agenda of the 10th House of Representatives and emphasized his Committee’s Strategic Plan, focusing on collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the ECOWAS Commission, and the African Union. The U.S. officials commended Rep. Kwamoti for his deep understanding of political dynamics in the United States and his effective representation of Nigeria’s national interests. Rep. Kwamoti praised President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his exemplary leadership and guidance in navigating the nation’s foreign policy. The occasion concluded with the presentation of gifts to the visiting U.S. envoys, symbolizing the strengthening ties between the two nations.