Nigerian Government on Sunday rose in defence of the visa granted the global Islamic preacher, Dr Abu Ameenah Bilal Philips, to visit the country.
Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, told correspondents that the controversial preacher satisfied Nigeria’s visa requirements hence, he could not be denied.
Moro, however hastened to add that the Federal Government would not hesitate to deport Bilal Philips, should he violates the rules governing his stay in Nigeria.
There has been online campaign to sensitize and mobilize Nigerians to kick against his coming into the country.
Philips lives in Qatar, and has been banned from entering some western countries, including Australia, Germany, United Kingdom, United States of America, Kenya, amongst others.
He had celebrated his Visa issuance with his facebook page, 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”.
Moro explained why he was issued visa, “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, he had to be granted visa.
“Nigeria will therefore not use the refusal of visa by Germany, UK as a basis for refusing anybody visa here since we are sovereign.
“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,” he assured.
