The Borno Elders Forum has called on the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to leave Borno State and the North-East region, following allegations of misuse of foreign aid.
The forum’s Secretary, Dr. Bulama Male Gubio, urged the Nigerian government to allow U.S. President Donald Trump to proceed with his investigation into claims made by U.S. Congressman Scott Perry.
“I raised concerns about the sinister activities of NGOs in Borno State as far back as 2014. I was invited to Abuja and detained for questioning. It took the intervention of Borno elders to bail me out,” Gubio told Daily Trust.
His remarks follow recent allegations by Congressman Perry that USAID funds may have been used to support terrorist groups, including Boko Haram.
The U.S. government has since announced a 90-day suspension of all foreign aid as part of a review of assistance programs worldwide.
The call by the Borno Elders Forum adds to growing scepticism in Nigeria over the role of international aid agencies in the region.
While NGOs have played a crucial role in humanitarian relief efforts for communities affected by insurgency, some local leaders have accused them of operating with hidden agendas.
The Nigerian government has yet to respond to the forum’s demand officially.