Former presidential aide, Bashir Ahmad has reacted after a United States missionary, Alex Barbir announced that he has left Nigeria following rising tension around his activities.
PrimeTimes Nigeria reports that the issue started on March 30 when Bashir raised concerns about Alex’s actions in the country.
He called on security agencies to look into the missionary’s conduct, accusing him of creating division among Nigerians.
Around the same time, Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi also supported calls for an investigation into Alex’s activities.
After the calls for his arrest, Alex later announced that he had exited Nigeria.
While addressing those who had criticised him, he made comments suggesting that the country should now experience peace in his absence, while also mentioning ongoing security challenges like killings and kidnappings.
He wrote: “Bashir and Gumi! Now that I’ve left I’m expecting to see a peaceful Nigeria! No killing, kidnapping, burning, IED, ambushes… Since ISWAP, Fulani, and Boko are your brothers, tell them to take a masjid break.”
In response, Bashir rejected the claim that the missionary left on his own.
He stated that Alex was made to leave the country by authorities and not by personal choice.
Bashir also accused him of coming into Nigeria with plans to cause unrest by turning people against each other.
He added that such efforts would not succeed, insisting that the country is stronger than any individual or external influence.
He wrote: ‘’You didn’t just leave willingly, you left because you were ordered by the authorities to leave immediately, something you denied last night to massage your ego. Alex, we know you came to Nigeria with a clear mission to ignite anarchy by setting us against each other, but like many before you, that mission has failed. Nigeria is bigger than you and even those who sent you here. Good riddance.”