Against the backdrop of terrorist attacks in Nigeria,
the Federal Government is said to have granted a visa
for entry into the country to a controversial cleric
who is said to be a preacher of terror.
Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips is said to have been
banned from several countries, including Australia,
Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America
and Kenya for his open support of and advocacy for
terrorism.
The government through the Minister of Interior,
Abba Moro, explained the visa grant by stating that
Philips had met all the requirements necessary and as
such could not be denied a visa.
The Telegraph reports:
Philips who lives in Qatar has been issued a
Nigerian Visa to visit and preach in the Country.
Reports had it that the cleric celebrated his Visa
issuance with his followers on his facebook on
Sunday morning, saying,
Al hamdu lillaah. I just
got a visa for Nigeria and will be going there in a
few days, in shaa allaah. So, I hope to see all my
Nigerian brothers and sisters. Baarakallaahu
feekum
Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the Minister of
Interior noted that every country has its own
requirement for the grant visa and in Nigerias
situation especially against the back drop of our
security challenges, we also have our requirement
for granting of visas.
We have our own blacklist too of people that
because of our security situation should not be
allowed into country.
And if this preacher that you talk about for
instance did not fall within the list of people
blacklisted for their activities that are inimical to
internal security. If he is preaching and the
content of what he has submitted for the granting
of visa that will not undermine the security of the
country, then certainly we will grant him the visa.
That is the purpose we have achieved here.
He further said it was double standards, as when
the Nigerian government signed the anti- gay law
and the west was complaining, we stated that
Nigeria nation is a sovereign country that should
be allowed to determine its destiny and
practices
He added that Nigeria will therefore not use the
refusal of visa by Germany, UK as a basis for
refusing anybody visa here.
I can assure you that the nigerian security
personnel are equal to the task of detecting whose
activities that are inimical to the situation of this
country.
Any moment that his preaching and activities
are seen to be inimical to the security of this
country I can assure you that we are up to the task
of repatriating him as soon as possible.
And his specific activities in this country guides
the request that he has made which has also
guided the action of the Nigerian immigration
service in granting the visa.
Apart from the preacher any other person that
gains entry to this country whose activities
undermine the integrity and security of this
country will be properly treated.
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