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Tag: Geoffrey Onyeama

  • Mohammed’s UN appointment good for Africa – FG

    The Federal Government has expressed optimism that the appointment of the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, as United Nations Deputy Secretary-General would facilitate the development of the African continent.

    The UN Secretary-General-designate, Antonio Guterres, on December 15 picked Mohammed and two other women to serve in his incoming administration at the UN, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, told the NAN Correspondent New York that Guterres was “development-friendly” as a UN refugee chief.

    Onyeama also said Mohammed’s appointment was an excellent choice as she was one of the “prime movers of the Sustainable Development Goals.”

    “Yes, we are very optimistic that he (incoming Secretary-General Antonio Guterres) is going to give a very high level of priority to issues of development, which is the greatest concern to Africa,” the minister told NAN.

    “He, of course, had previously served as the High Commissioner for Refugees and in that capacity, he did a lot of excellent work and was very supportive in helping African countries address the refugee crisis on the continent.

    “And so we are so very much looking forward to working with him and believe that he is very development-friendly in his approach.

    “And his appointment of a Nigerian as the Deputy Secretary-General, and a Nigerian who was one of the prime movers of the Sustainable Development Goals, is a clear proof that he is determined to not only engage with Africa and other developing countries, on development issues.

    “But he is also keen that Africans themselves should be also driving that process and that the UN will give them all the necessary support for that.”

  • UN adopts Nigeria-sponsored resolution on financial flows

    UN adopts Nigeria-sponsored resolution on financial flows

    The Federal Government has said the United Nation’s adoption of Nigeria-sponsored resolution on combating illicit financial flows is in tandem with the anti-corruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

    Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, told the UN correspondent of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in New York that the administration’s anti-corruption crusade now has international legal backing.

    The UN General Assembly had adopted, by consensus, the Nigeria-sponsored resolution on: “Promotion of international cooperation to combat illicit financial flows in order to foster sustainable development.”

    The resolution reiterated “its deep concern about the impact of illicit financial flows, in particular those caused by tax evasion and corruption, on the economic, social and political stability and development of societies.”

    Onyeama said the adopted resolution would greatly facilitate Nigeria’s efforts to have some of its funds stashed in foreign financial institutions, repatriated back to the country.

    “The adoption of the Resolution on Illicit Financial Flows is something that is in sync with the anti-corruption policy of this administration,” he said.

    “Also, I think we have to congratulate Mr. President because what he has promised to do is to now take this whole issue and get it at the top of the international agenda.

    “Getting the anti-corruption crusade at the top of the international agenda is no mean feat.

    “So we are really delighted that there is now some international legal backing for this crusade.

    “We certainly hope to draw on this resolution to help us in our efforts to have restitution of a lot of Nigerian funds that have been stashed away in foreign countries.”

  • Buhari leads Nigeria’s delegation to UN summit

    Buhari leads Nigeria’s delegation to UN summit

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected to lead the Federal Government’s delegation to the 71st session of the United Nations General Assembly.

    Buhari will join other world leaders to address issues of global importance as well as those peculiar to their different countries and regions.

    The UN General Assembly summit begins on Tuesday.

    The President, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, will use the opportunity to put in proper perspective some issues about his administration which had been largely misconstrued, particularly on human rights.

    Onyeama, who briefed journalists in Abuja on the UN summit, said, “there is need to tell our own story and tell it persuasively too to get support from the world. We are not a sick patient looking for help. Nigeria is a power house seeking opportunity to play a greater role in global affairs.”

    Reacting to the alleged human right abuse by the administration, Onyeama said, “It would be an opportunity to put the record straight. Government does not interfere with the judiciary; neither does it interfere with the activities of the EFCC and other investigative bodies.”

    Onyeama also stressed that the Buhari administration has from onset defined the rule of engagement in the battle against terrorism.

     

  • Sex Scandal: Allegation based on weak foundation – Minister

    Sex Scandal: Allegation based on weak foundation – Minister

    The former Ambassador to the United States, James E. Entwistle does not have any strong evidence of the alleged sexual misconduct against three members of the House of Representatives, the Minister of Foreign Relations, Geoffrey Onyeama has said.

    According to him, the US government has not pressed charges on the lawmakers and does not intend to.

    This was against his revelation that the Ambassador told him that the Housekeeper, who claimed she was “grabbed” by one of the lawmakers, has refused to testify.

    Onyeama, who spoke before the joint committee of Ethics and Privileges probing the allegation Thursday said the allegation is based on weak foundation, “defamatory and could lead to legal consequences.”

    Hon. Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC, Bauchi), Hon. Samuel Ikon (PDP, Akwa Ibom) and Hon. Mark Gbillah (APC, Benue) who were part of 10 legislators invited by the US government for the International Visitor Leadership Program held between April 7 and 13, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio were accused of sexual misconduct.

    The Committee had deferred to the Minister who had missed two sessions because he was on official duty at the previous chosen dates.

    Onyeama had previously interacted with Entwistle in the matter and the lawmakers had waited for the Entwistle’s side of the story from the Minister.

    Enyeama said in his interaction with the former Ambassador, “he did not present any corroborative evidence and did not give the impression that there are any.

    “He did not make any allegations against the members, he was just saying allegations were made and he confirmed they were made.”

    The minister said there were no testimonies. “The house keeper (who claimed a member grabbed her in the hotel) refused to testify further.”

    Entwistle, he said was surprised that the House Keeper refused to testify.

    “I was surprised that the main complainant failed to testify when approached by her government,” Onyeama added.

    He said the allegation “does not constitute guilt,” but that Entwistle felt an obligation to bring to the attention of the Speaker of the House of Representatives the allegation.

    “He’s not saying they are true or not.”

    But members of the committee wanted to know why the visas of the members accused were cancelled if they were not adjudged guilty.

    “We don’t know the working of the US government. The US have discretion on their visa . They don’t have to give any reason for why they must have taken any step,” the Minister said.

    He however gave an insight on what may have caused the visa cancellations and three years travel ban on the lawmakers, saying there was a meeting in United States Embassy in Abuja prior to the letter by the former Ambassador

    “A group ( of lawmakers) went to the US embassy and it was an acrimonious meeting. The Deputy Ambassador was spoken to in an aggressive manner and voices were raised and the group walked out. The incident would not have encouraged a sympathetic approach.”

    But the affected lawmakers said at the meeting with the Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Maria E. Brewer on 8th June, 2016 in which she informed the members about the incident for the first time she was rude and walked out on members twice.

    While answering questions from Ossai Nicholas Ossai on why Entwistle would write a damaging letter to the Speaker when there was no conclusive proof, the minister said the letter was to brief the Speaker on the alleged misconduct so as to ensure that his people do not jeopardize the programme in the future.

    “I will see this more as to remind your members to be sure they don’t put themselves in such a situation as it could lead to Nigeria not participation in such a programme in the future.”

    Onyeama said the Ambassador breached protocol by writing to the Speaker, “the normal channel would be to come through the ministry,” he said.

    When asked by the committee if there was any sanction for such behavior, He said “There is none, we just brought it to his notice.”

    The committee was however shocked to learn that though the event from which the allegation emanated was a government- to- government  programme yet the Minister  said his ministry was not aware, and also that the Nigerian Embassy in America was unaware.

    Nnena Elendu- Ukeje advised the Minister to let all Diplomatic establishments and foreign government be aware of the laws governing Nigeria’s relationship with them.

    The three accused member while rounding off their presentations Thursday said the allegation has affected them negatively and vowed that the issue will be legally pursued to a logical conclusion

    Mark Gbillah specifically started his resolve to fight the issue in a court of law. He also dared the former Ambassador to present facts on the issue.

    “I am calling you out, Mr. Entwistle, you cannot intentionally attempt to destroy my reputation and character and hide behind flimsy excuses; be a man and face me with your facts. I dare you in the name of Jesus Christ,” he said.

  • Sex Scandal: Accused Reps Challenge Entwistle over evidence

    Sex Scandal: Accused Reps Challenge Entwistle over evidence

    Though the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama was absent for the second time running at the hearing of the allegation of sexual misconduct leveled against three members of the House of Representatives, the joint committee nonetheless listened to submissions from the lawmakers.

    The Joint House Committees on Ethics and Privileges and Foreign Affairs also began the investigation Wednesday without presentation or representation from the Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, James F. Entwistle.

    But the three accused lawmakers not only professed their innocence, they also threatened to commence legal proceedings against the US government and the hotel from which the accusation initially emanated.

    Recall that Hon. Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC, Bauchi), Hon. Samuel Ikon (PDP, Akwa Ibom) and Hon. Mark Gbillah (APC, Benue) who were part of 10 legislators invited by the US government for the International Visitor Leadership Program held between April 7 and 13, 2016 in Cleveland, Ohio were accused of sexual misconduct.

    But the lawmakers Wednesday accused Entwistle of falsehood and racial bias, while re- echoing their earlier statements that they were denied fair hearing in the matter.

    Mark Gbillah, one of the accused became misty- eyed at the event after giving his testimony.

    Though the Chairman of the joint Committee Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai said the Minister wrote in to say that he was attending the Federal Executive Council meeting and that he would be in attendant Thursday, he insisted that Entwistle must be present at the hearing.

    Hon. Mohammed Gololo (Bauchi, APC) while presenting his case denied the allegation and described it as unsubstantiated by the US envoy to Nigeria.

    According to him, he never met any hotel attendant in the course of his visit to the United States of America for the programme and that he never had a maid clean his room while he was in Cleveland, Ohio.

    While demanding an apology for being falsely accused, Gololo wondered why the hotel maid he allegedly grabbed did not shout for help.

    He said Entwistle had failed to prove his case. “These postponements (of appearance by minister) are denials in disguise,” he claimed.

    Hon. Mark Gbillah (Benue, APC) while giving his side of the story described the allegation on the sex scandal as a baseless one, adding that he never engaged with a car park attendant to arrange a prostitute  for him.

    He expressed readiness to sue the US Embassy in a law court and claim damages over the allegation, saying the allegation emanated from deep-rooted animosity and disdain for Nigeria and other developing nations, by the United States of America.

    He challenged the US envoy to provide proof to back his allegation that he asked a car park attendant at the hotel to procure the services of a prostitute for him, adding that he was a victim of racial profiling,

    Samuel Ikon (Akwa-Ibom, APC) said he was not involved in any discussion with any hotel car park attendant during the US visit.

    His health condition at that time could not have allowed him solicit for sex. He said the accusation has caused him profound embarrassment and called on Entwistle to provide evidence against him to probe the allegation.

    Ossai adjourned hearing to Thursday saying it would give the Minister of foreign Affairs an opportunity to provide insight into the matter.

    He however insisted that Entwistle must testify at the Thursday hearing.

  • Kidnapping: FG meets with delegation from Sierra Leone 

    Kidnapping: FG meets with delegation from Sierra Leone 

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, has met with a high-powered delegation from Sierra Leone led by Dr. Samura Mathew Wilson Kamara, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone.

    The meeting was not unconnected with the recent abduction and rescue of the senior Sierra Leonian diplomat who was kidnapped on the Abuja – Kaduna highway on 30 June 2016.
    The meeting also afforded both countries to discuss other issues, including matters of bilateral interest.

    The Ministers expressed their commitment to revive the Nigeria/Sierra Leone Joint Commission with a view to strengthening bilateral relations between their two countries.

    The Ministers exchanged views on global affairs including, notably, the reform of the United Nations Security Council which will be on the agenda of the 27th Ordinary Session of the Assembly of Heads of State and Government of the African Union taking place in Kigali, Rwanda from 10 – 18 July 2016.

    The Ministers took note of the current state of affairs in the Security Council reform effort and the multi-dimensional challenges in the process. They underscored the need for greater solidarity among African countries in the reform effort.

    The meeting took place in a cordial atmosphere which reflects the excellent longstanding relations between Nigeria and Sierra Leone.

  • Deal with China not about currency swap – Minister

    Deal with China not about currency swap – Minister

    The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, on Wednesday said the currency deal Nigeria signed with China during President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the Asian nation was not a swap agreement as widely reported.

    He briefed State House correspondents at the end Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting on the gains of the one week visit.

    According to him, the deal was a way for Nigeria to benefit from the internationalization of the Chinese currency.

    He said: “It’s not really a swap. What it takes is that as the Chinese economy goes strong, there is pressure on them from the trading partners and international financial institutions. They agreed that the money should be internationalized.

    “So, they started that for a while. They were protecting it also. They did not allow it to be fully exchangeable. But now, their economy is fully strong, they are looking for a way to internationalize the currency. Now, they were saying essentially that they wanted to segment it.

    “For Southern Africa, South Africa is going to be the sort of a hub for the currency. So, they are going to be the focal point for the Chinese to make that available for trade in that area.

    “In West Africa, they are looking for a hub. Ghana is interested in being the hub for the currency to be circulated for those who want to use it. It is not compulsory. But Nigeria is a bigger country with bigger economy. So that does make sense.

    “And they were attracted to Nigeria being the hub.

    “So, for us, the benefit is that it gives us small flexibility. So if Nigeria is buying Chinese goods for instance, it will be in our interest to use the Yuan because we know there is a lot of squeeze for the dollar. “

     

     

  • What Buhari is in China for

    What Buhari is in China for

    President Muhammadu Buhari is expected in China this week to further discuss Nigeria’s diplomatic relations with the Chinese government.

    This is according to a post that appeared on the Presidential Twitter handle noting that besides Beijing, President Buhari will visit the Shanghai Free Trade Zone and Guangzhou Econ and Technology Development Zone.

    The post states: “President Buhari will open the China-Nigeria Production Capacity and Investment Cooperation Forum in Beijing on Tuesday April 12.

    “China and Nigeria began diplomatic relations in 1971. In 2001, both countries signed a Bilateral Trade Agreement while in 2005, a Strategic Partnership Agreement was signed.”

    Ministers on the President’s entourage to China include Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama; Minister of Agriculture, Ogbeh Audu; Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and Industry, Trade and Investment Minister, Okechukwu Enelamah

  • Nigeria, Switzerland hold talks on Abacha loot

    Nigeria, Switzerland hold talks on Abacha loot

    Authorities in Switzerland are in talks to arrange the return to Nigeria of $300 million confiscated from the family of former military ruler, Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s foreign minister said.

    The corruption watchdog Transparency International has accused Abacha of stealing up to $5 billion of public money during his five years regime in Nigeria.

    Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in June 1998.

    Geoffrey Onyeama said $700 million had already been repatriated from Switzerland, adding that he met Swiss representatives last week for further talks.

    “They have also now recovered, in the same context, another $300 million of which there is ongoing discussion to have that repatriated as well,” Reuters quoted the minister as saying to journalists on Monday.

    In 2014, Nigeria and the Abacha family reached an agreement for the country to get back the funds, which had been frozen, in return for dropping a complaint against Abba Abacha, the son of the former military ruler.

    He was charged by a Swiss court with money-laundering, fraud and forgery in April 2005, after being extradited from Germany, and subsequently spent 561 days in custody. In 2006, Luxembourg ordered that funds held by the younger Abacha be frozen.

    President Muhammadu Buhari, who took office in May, has made tackling corruption a priority. He has asked the Britain and the United States for help recovering money stolen from Africa’s biggest economy by some of the country’s elite over several years.