The contemporary Muslim teacher, speaker and author, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, has met all the visa requirements to visit and preach in the country, Minister of Interior, Mr. Abba Moro, said yesterday.
Fielding questions from journalists at the venue of the centenary inter-denominational church service in Abuja, Mr. Moro, said government would not hesitate to deport him if he violates the rules.
Philips, a resident of Qatar has been banned from entering countries like Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America and Kenya, amongst others.
The minister said every country has its own requirement for granting visa, stressing “in Nigeria’s situation, especially against the back drop of our security challenges, we also have our requirement for granting of visas.”
He said: “We have our own black list 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 black listed 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.
“When the Nigerian government signed the anti-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. 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 is 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 guide 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.”
