Dare Babalola
Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, has attributed the recent United States visa restrictions on Nigeria to the country’s inadequate efforts in combating terrorism and addressing its root causes.
Frank made this known in a statement on Friday.
Recall that the US introduced a policy to restrict visas for terrorism financiers and sympathizers in Nigeria.
He praised US President Donald Trump and members of Congress for their efforts to tackle terrorism financing in Nigeria.
Also, Frank described the US visa restrictions on terror sponsors as a “welcome development” and proof of the U.S. government’s commitment to ending insecurity in Nigeria.
He said the move has placed pressure on Nigerian authorities to act more transparently on issues of insecurity.
According to Frank, the visa restrictions represent significant international pressure that he believes has compelled Nigerian authorities to revisit longstanding concerns about terror financing.
He also criticised the Nigerian government for failing to publicly release details of terror financiers allegedly identified by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during previous investigations.
He claimed political interference has hindered progress in naming and prosecuting such individuals.
Frank argued that corruption and political interests have weakened Nigeria’s response to rising insecurity, despite the country having the capacity to address the challenge.
He further urged the U.S. government to be cautious in sharing intelligence with Nigerian authorities until there is full public disclosure of the reported list of terror sponsors and assurances of accountability.
Frank declared, “Let it be clearly stated: if President Trump had not stepped in, Nigeria’s leaders would still be looking the other way.
“Their intervention has exposed what our own leaders have refused to confront and has given Nigerians renewed hope that this nightmare can end.”
