Former APC spokesperson and political activist, Timi Frank, has accused the Nigerian government of failing to take decisive action against terrorism until recent pressure from the United States forced its hand.
Frank, who currently serves as Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East for the United Liberation Movement for West Papua (ULMWP), said the intervention of former U.S. President Donald J. Trump and members of Congress has pushed Nigeria toward long-delayed steps in combating terror financing and insecurity.
According to him, the visa restrictions announced by U.S. Secretary Marco Rubio mark the strongest international move yet against individuals suspected of sponsoring terrorism in Nigeria. Frank praised the decision, describing it as a wake-up call for the Nigerian government.
“I want to thank President Trump and the American people for standing with Nigerians at a time when terrorists and bandits seem determined to overwhelm the nation,” he said. “Secretary Marco Rubio’s visa restrictions on terror sponsors is a significant step and shows the U.S. is more committed to ending insecurity in Nigeria than our own leaders.”
Frank criticised the government for withholding the full list of Nigerian terror financiers reportedly shared by the United Arab Emirates during the Buhari administration. He alleged that political interests have prevented the disclosure and prosecution of those named.
“If Trump had not stepped in, Nigeria’s leaders would still be pretending nothing is wrong,” he stated. “The UAE already gave them the list. The reason the names remain hidden is simple: many of the sponsors are politically connected. Some are in the ruling party.”
He urged the U.S. government to suspend intelligence sharing with Nigeria until the complete, unedited list of terror financiers is made public and legal action begins.
“There are sympathisers within the system,” he warned. “You cannot hand sensitive intelligence to people who may be compromised.”
Frank also faulted the government for prioritising political perks over public safety, condemning reports of new luxury vehicles allegedly purchased for party loyalists at a time when communities across the country are suffering deadly attacks.