The Nigerian Government has described the allegation by a US-based non-profit organization the Global Advocates for Terrorism Eradication -GATE as a disgusting distraction orchestrated by those seeking to weaken the ongoing massive onslaught against terrorism and banditry in the country.
A statement by Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed on Sunday, he said the so-called GATE is a pesky irritant that should be ignored, especially because it is as confused as it is irresponsible adding that the non-governmental organization is not even worth the ink with which its name is written.
The Nigerian Minister of Information and Culture further questioned GATE’s seriousness in accusing the government that is tackling the twin evil of terrorism and banditry with an uncommon determination of sponsoring terrorism.
GATE had in a petition written to the office of the United States Secretary of State, Antony J. Blinke, demanded that the government of the US should designate the Nigerian Government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari and some of his officials as sponsors of terrorism.
Lai Mohammed in his Sunday statement asserted that GATE and its sponsors should be thoroughly ashamed of themselves and should quit trying to distract the gallant troops who are doing everything possible, including making the supreme sacrifice, to keep the country safe.
He also 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.
A Principal Advocate at GATE, Robert Berry, made the allegation in a 26-page petition sent to the US Secretary of State accusing the Nigerian government of sponsoring terrorism by carrying out terrorist activities, including training, fundraising, financing, and recruitment of terrorists.
The GATE’s allegation also accused the Nigerian government of using the shell of their office as a safe haven, transit, and operational base for terrorists and terrorist activities.
It also claimed that some ministers in the regime of the President, Major General Muhammadu Buhari (retd.), governors, an ambassador, former Inspector General of Police, head of a security agency, and some political office holders were sponsoring terrorism but said the government had failed to take any step against it.
