Senator Ali Ndume, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Army, has stated that the Federal Government’s incapacity to identify and apprehend individuals who sponsor terrorists in the country smacks of indifference in its resolve to combat insurgency. Ndume stated he was prosecuted by the Federal Government for allegedly funding Boko Haram during an interview on Channels Television. He said that the Department of State Services (DSS) traced a phone and discovered a call made by the insurgents’ spokesman. Ndume was charged in 2011 with alleged Boko Haram sponsorship, but the courts freed him in July 2017 when no proof was presented to back up the claim.
Despite the fact that he was detained, the congressman chastised security authorities for failing to conduct a thorough investigation before exposing him to public ridicule.
“Why don’t you tell Nigerians if there is evidence that someone is sponsoring Boko Haram if there is clear evidence after your investigation?” Why don’t you bring charges against them?
They went and detained me just because they were following my phone and alleged a Boko Haram spokesman called me. They didn’t even ask me, and they didn’t do any research. The Senate President called and said, “The SSS wants you to report that they have some questions.”
According to the congressman, he went to the DSS office expecting to be given the opportunity to provide them with the information they needed he stated that the DSS spokesperson at the time, Marilyn Ogar, briefed journalists and accused him of supporting terrorism. He argued that if he could be tried, why can’t those who have been identified as terrorist sponsors be tried as well?
“She appeared on TV, claiming that Boko Haram’s sponsor had been located and detained.” That was the exact phrase she used. It wasn’t even close to being fair to me. That is still a battle for me. My children had a terrible time. They’re now saying, ‘cover these guys.’ As a result, when the government talks about covering them. I have a feeling we aren’t taking this seriously.
I’m hoping that the President launches war in 2022. Although we are battling militants, we have not declared war on them. That is something the President should do against rebels, terrorists, bandits, and secessionists,” he stated.
