The Federal Government (FG) has issued a response to an allegation by US-based non-profit organization, Global Advocates for Terrorism Eradication (GATE) that the Nigerian government was sponsoring terrorism. The response was issued in a statement on Sunday by the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed. The statement reads in part, “Is it not curious that this organization 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 county safe.”
The minister stated that the organization, GATE was irresponsible because they had no evidence to back their allegation.
Mohammed said, “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 acquisitions of a myriad of platforms, the boost to the morale of our fighting forces, and the leadership provided by the 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.”
