Professor Okey Ikechukwu, an expert in strategic management and human capital development, has claimed that the administration of former president Muhammadu Buhari refused to reveal a list of Nigerians accused of funding terrorism, despite receiving this crucial information from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
On Friday, November 21, Ikechukwu reacted to the Nigerian delegates’ recent meeting with United States (U.S) congressman Riley Moore over terrorism and genocide claims.
He stated that years ago, the UAE had provided Nigeria with the names of individuals financing terrorism.
According to him, the federal government chose not to disclose the list to the public.
“A few years ago, under Buhari, the UAE government offered to provide us with a list of individuals funding terrorism in Nigeria, and they are Nigerians. But what did they do? The federal government did not request that list to be made public,” Ikechukwu said.
He noted that a senior official in the Buhari administration once argued that the identities were being withheld to maintain the privacy and rights of those implicated.
“No names have been made public, but those who should know, know who the sponsors of terrorism and banditry are,” he stated, adding that many believe perpetrators often escape accountability.
Ikechukwu also highlighted poverty as a significant factor contributing to insecurity in parts of the north.
“Yes, poverty provides a fertile soil for this kind of thing in the North. If you meet someone who is not doing anything and tell him to follow you to raid, he will follow you quickly,” he said.
He questioned why similar patterns do not occur in other regions.
“Why is it not happening in Lagos? Why is it not happening in Nnewi? The place is messed up. Civilian leadership is not doing enough. How many of the leaders reside in their local government?” he asked.
He added that some of the perpetrators spreading banditry to the southern communities are not indigenous, suggesting a clear origination point for the menace.
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