Lai Mohammed
Nigeria’s federal government has faulted the allegation by a US-based Global Advocates for Terrorism Eradication (GATE), accusing it as a sponsor of terrorism, describing the allegation as a disgusting distraction designed to weaken the ongoing massive onslaught against terrorism and banditry.
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, issued a scathing rebuttal against the non-profit organisation, on Sunday.
The statement described GATE as a pesky irritant that should be ignored because it is confused and irresponsible.
Mohammed said Gate missed the point by accusing the federal government that was tackling the twin evil of terrorism and banditry with an 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,” he said.
He accused GATE of relying on the words of a thoroughly-discredited, fake-news-peddling former Nigerian Navy intelligence officer in parroting its absurd allegation.
He said the action by the organisation had exposed 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 organisations. 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,” he said.
The minister pleaded that what the gallant troops engaged in the fight against insurgency required at this time was the support, encouragement and prayers of all, not the distracting antics of a relevance-seeking, feckless organisation masquerading as a terrorism eradication advocate.
Olawale Ajimotokan in Abuja
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