Pro-integrity group, IPC Justice, has raised the alarm over the presence of Ghazi Hamad, the Minister of Social Development in the Hamas Government of Gaza, in Nigeria.

“We express our utmost concern and condemnation regarding the presence of Ghazi Hamad, a Minister of Social Development in the Hamas Government of Gaza, in Nigeria,” the group said in a statement published on its X handle, @ipcjustice, and copied @NGRPresident, @NuhuRibadu, and @DefenceInfoNG.

According to the “URGENT STATEMENT: CONDEMNATION OF GHAZI HAMAD’S PRESENCE IN NIGERIA,” “Hamad’s affiliation with Hamas, a designated terrorist organization, poses an unacceptable risk to the safety and security of Nigerian citizens.

“It is imperative to recognize that Hamas has been responsible for numerous acts of violence and terrorism against innocent civilians, including attacks targeting Israeli citizens and military personnel. Israel has rightfully declared its intention to pursue and apprehend members of Hamas wherever they may be found, underscoring the seriousness of the threat posed by individuals associated with this organization.”

IPC Justice in the statement dated Feb 14, 2024, gave no idea of when Hamad entered Nigeria, his mission and in which part of the country he is staying.

It, however, warned that; “The decision to allow Ghazi Hamad entry into Nigeria raises grave concerns about potential security implications and undermines the safety of our nation. Given Israel’s unequivocal stance on targeting members of Hamas worldwide, Hamad’s presence here poses an unnecessary risk to the lives and well-being of Nigerian citizens.”

Tabling its demands, IPC Justice called upon the Nigerian government to take immediate and decisive action to address this matter, specifically to ensure:

1. The immediate expulsion of Ghazi Hamad from Nigerian territory, in line with our commitment to combatting terrorism and ensuring national security.

2. Enhanced vigilance and monitoring of individuals associated with designated terrorist organizations to prevent further threats to public safety.

3. Transparency and accountability in immigration processes to prevent the entry of individuals with known affiliations to terrorist entities.

4. Responsible journalism and media practices, including thorough vetting of guests and consideration of potential security risks, to avoid inadvertently endangering the public.

“Furthermore, we call upon media organizations to exercise caution and responsibility in their programming decisions, refraining from providing platforms to individuals associated with terrorist organizations without careful consideration of the potential consequences.

“The safety and security of Nigerian citizens must always remain paramount, and we urge the government to take swift and decisive action to address this urgent matter,” IPC Justice said.

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