Felix Morka: Nigeria and US Collaborating Intensively to Combat Terrorism

Felix Morka, serving as the National Publicity Secretary for the All Progress Congress (APC), has asserted that both the United States and Nigerian governments are working collaboratively to address terrorism in Nigeria.

He made this declaration during an interview with ARISE NEWS on Wednesday.

Morka stated, "The US government is coordinating closely with Nigerian authorities in all efforts aimed at defeating terrorism in our nation. This issue has caused severe suffering and devastation, with innocent individuals being targeted by these malevolent actors. Our President is fully committed to taking whatever actions are necessary to eliminate these threats."

When asked about Nigerian citizens' worries that US intervention might amount to an invasion, Morka reassured that there is no need for concern, highlighting that the Nigerian government is heavily involved in the decision- making process.

"I understand the basis for those concerns. However, these worries are often valid in scenarios where external forces operate without local consultation. That is not the situation here. This endeavor is characterized by strong cooperation between our government and US officials. I am confident that the discussions held will reflect in the actions taken on the ground. Our primary goal is to combat those who threaten our people's safety, ensuring they are dealt with effectively and consistently."

Addressing President Tinubu’s recent intervention regarding the impeachment proceedings against Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, Morka commented:

"Indeed, the President has intervened, and we are tasked with clarifying why he has engaged in a constitutional matter. As events unfold in Rivers State, it is within the rights of our President, who serves all Nigerians regardless of their political affiliations—be it PDP or APC—to step in and restore some degree of order. He did not instruct anyone to halt the constitutional process; instead, he has offered his guidance in his capacity as President. His actions align perfectly with our constitutional framework and democratic principles."

Morka further refuted allegations that President Tinubu's involvement was an overreach intended to obstruct a constitutional procedure.

He elaborated, "It is contradictory to label it as instructive advice. Advice and instructions differ; when advice is given, it is up to those in authority to accept or reject it. The President is not dictating to the Governor but is entitled to ensure that all components of the nation function smoothly."

Rejecting claims from the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and others that civil servants are being pressured to register with the APC, Morka stated:

"We hold no obligation to validate such frivolous accusations. It is essential that those making such claims provide supporting evidence. Civil servants, like all Nigerians, are accessible, and if they possess such information, they should reach out to these civil servants directly. Asking us to disprove these allegations is not how this should operate. Due process dictates that allegations come with evidence, which has not been presented."

He added, "Consequently, I dismissed these claims as simply the ADC feeling threatened by the significant surge in registrations in our party. People are registering willingly and with enthusiasm."

Further commenting on the ADC's allegations that APC members hindered registration efforts, Morka insisted this reflects the ADC’s fixation on the APC.

"Currently, it appears the ADC is obsessively focused on the APC. I am not sure why, yet they are free to concern themselves with our party’s actions. If any disorder stems from thuggery at their events, they ought to report this to the appropriate law enforcement agencies to address it. Violence is never acceptable, and it should not be tolerated,” he concluded.