Two former Lagos laws makers Mr Dipo Olorunrinu and Sir Jude Idimogu, have said that President Bola Tinubu has displayed courage and determination to fight terrorism by listing alleged financiers of terrorism in the country.
The former lawmakers made this remark in separate interviews with the Newspeg in Lagos.
Their statements came as a reaction to the Federal Government’s uncovering of the identity of 15 entities, including nine individuals and six Bureau De Change operators and firms, allegedly involved in financing terrorism.
In a document disclosed by the the Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit reportedly tagged the alleged financiers in an email, entitled: “Designation of Individuals and Entities for March 18, 2024.”
The document revealed that the Nigeria Sanctions Committee met on March 18, 2024, where specific individuals and entities were recommended for sanction following their involvement in terrorism financing.
Reacting, Olorunrinu, who represented Amuwo-Odofin Constituency I, at the Lagos State House of Assembly from 2015 to 2019, said the President with this step, has shown himself as a courageous leader.
The APC chieftain urged the government to take a further step to arrest the culprits and all accomplices for “our nation to rest from war”.
Olorunrinu said: “This is what many fear to do, but President Tinubu, with this bold step has shown that the government really wants an end to this evil wasting our nation.
“We must commend the President for this great step. We need more of this boldness to uncover the people afflicting our people.
“We have lost so many innocent citizens and members of the armed forces in these attacks on the nation.
“We can’t begin to talk about the huge resources this has taken away from the nation that should have been used for development of the country.”
He urged the government to expedite action in prosecuting the alleged financiers, saying if found culpable, the consequences should be capital.
Also speaking, Idimogu, who represented Oshodi – Isolo Constituency II at the Lagos Assembly from 2015 to 2023, said the step shows that there would soon be an end to terrorism in the country.
The former two-term lawmaker and financial expert said the government needed to further reveal owners or shareholders of various firms listed for financing terrorism in the country.
“This is a very good step to show that we mean real business in the fight against insecurity and ending it.
“But let the government disclose those behind the companies listed whether registered or not.
“There are names behind those companies allegedly financing terrorism. They should release those names, let Nigerians know those people.
“Mentioning the companies without the shareholders is not good enough, we should know the owners and they should be named, shamed and prosecuted.
“No matter how high or mighty, we should uncover them, no one is above the law,” Idimogu said.
