Hon. Donatus Nwankpa, Abia State chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Comrade Chris Akomas, a chieftain of the party and former deputy governor of the state, have described President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the US as timely because Nigeria needs to strengthen ties with the US and the international community.
They were also optimistic that the meeting between the two leaders will improve trade and investment, technological advancement, recovery of stolen funds, tackle corruption and help in the war against terrorism.
“You know that the president is inheriting security challenges, corruption and economic challenges. Mr. President was a military president, he didn’t have the best of relationships with the West and this time around, they need to see a democrat, a man that has the image of transparency that the world is looking for. They need to see the image of a man who knows that the biggest problem that is facing this nation is corruption and collectively they will all sit together for the purposes of putting Nigeria where she belongs.
“Remember that terrorism is a global syndrome and virus and the United States has a strong posture having suffered various terrorist wars: Osama Bin Laden and his cohort. They have been victims of various terrorist attacks and they have advanced technology in terms of international security system. They have also the armoury and weaponry to counter and fight terrorism. So, it is a good relationship that will bring a new approach in the fight against insurgency and terrorism. It is no longer all about shooting and fighting; it is requires intelligent networking, some fundamental technological and communication system breaking into the process of war against terror and Nigeria needs them to assist her in the onslaught or war against terrorism that is going on in the country.
”Remember also that Nigeria is seeking for permanent membership of the Security Council and whether we like it or not, the United States has a lot contribute in these areas.
“It will boost trade and investment. There will be private sector investment and opportunities. It is a way of reopening a lot of opportunities. It will also help the multi-national companies that have their parent nation as the United States and now trying to reappraise their relationship and regulation with Nigeria,” Nwankpa stated.
Akomas added that it was expected that by the end of the visit, there would be economic opportunities, hope for the recovery of looted funds, and improvement on the method of prosecuting the war against terrorism and insecurity to improve.
On the National assembly crisis, the political leaders said, “They should respect the party, accepting the party’s supremacy, and the party in taking their own decision remember Section 14(4) of the constitution which talks about geographical spread. So in whatever they are doing, every region in this country must be given a sense of belonging.”