The House of Representatives is seeking an audience with the United States Ambassador in Nigeria,Mr. James Entwistle after the envoy shunned Thursday’s investigative public hearing by the House on the alleged sexual misconduct by three of its members during a recent visit to the U.S.
The decision to meet Entwistle was a reversal to the House insistence on Thursday that the ambassador must attend the hearing now rescheduled for July 20.
The envoy shunned the public hearing citing diplomatic immunity.
The investigation was triggered by a June 9 petition by Entwistle to Speaker Yakubu Dogara in which he accused Mohammed Garba Gololo (Bauchi), Samuel Ikon (Akwa Ibom) andMark Gbillah (Benue) of attempted rape and soliciting sex from prostitutes during official visit to his country last April.
The Chairman of the House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas told journalists on Friday that the House will ” go to the Ambassador” if necessary in a bid to get to the root of the matter.
It was gathered that the House had just come to the realization that the ambassador could not be summoned by the House on account of his immunity.
The Chairperson of the House Committee on Foreign Relations, Elendu- Ukeje, drew attention to the Vienna Convention which precludes anAmbassador from being summoned by his host country’s legislature.
He proposed that the best option was to allow the Minister of Foreign Affairs provide an enabling platform for interaction between the committee and Entwistle.
The Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, will on Thursday meet the outgoing United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, over the allegation of sexual misconduct levelled against three members of the House.
Investigative public hearing on the scandal begins on Thursday and Entwistle is expected to provide video clips of the incident.
The incident allegedly occurred during the International Visitor Leadership Programme held in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S, between April 7 and April 13 and attended by 10 members of the lower chamber.
The Chairman of House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, Nicholas Ossai, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the committee did not invite management of the hotel where the alleged misconduct occurred.
According to him, we decided not to extend invitation to the hotel management since the Ambassador who broke the information through a letter to the speaker has documentary evidence against the three lawmakers.
The three lawmakers involved in the allegation are Mohammed Gololo (APC-Bauchi), Samuel Ikon (PDP-Akwa Ibom) and Mark Gbillah (APC-Benue).
They allegedly solicited sex from prostitutes and grabbed hotel housekeeper in a bid to rape her.
Ossai said the committee had also invited the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama, the Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) and National Human Rights Commission.
He said the committee did not carry out any secret investigation, urging anyone with useful information to submit same to the committee on or before commencement of the hearing.
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, has said there is no hidden agenda behind his country’s decision to stop crude oil purchase from Nigeria.
Entwistle, said this while fielding questions from journalists at the 240th Anniversary of the U.S Independence in Abuja.
The envoy said the price of oil was determined by international market, adding that the desire of every business person was to get the best product at the best price.
“There is no conspiracy for the U.S not to buy oil from Nigeria.
“Price of oil is determined by international market and business people go to get the best product for the best price. That something happened to us with oil.
“But I wish you listened to my last statement where I talked about the importance of the private sector and the commitment of the U.S companies to help build Nigeria,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that U.S had in 2014 stopped the importation of crude oil from Nigeria, a development that was tied to the discovery of Shale oil and gas in commercial quantity in America.
The Minister of State for Petroleum, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, recently said the U.S would soon resume the importation of crude oil from Nigeria.
He stated that the rekindled relationship was the outcome of President Muhammadu Buhari’s visit to the U.S early this year.
The minister, however, did not reveal the details of the discussion between Buhari and the U.S government, but said America had indicated its interest in buying “very limited” quantities of Nigeria’s crude.
Entwistle urged the Federal Government to create an environment that would attract more foreign investment into Nigeria as a way of revamping the nation’s economy.
“I am not much of an economist but I think the government is starting in the right direction.
“Things like fuel subsidy removal and exchange rate will continue to create an environment that is welcoming to foreign investment,” he stated.
United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, on Friday said 100 young Nigerians have been selected for entrepreneurship and leadership training at the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship in U.S.
Entwistle spoke in Abuja during a reception organised by the U.S Embassy for the participants who were selected from six geo-political zones in the country and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said the participants would participate in an intensive, six-week programme on academic excellence and leadership on business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, public management, and renewable energy at U.S. colleges and universities.
“The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a key component of President Barack Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
“YALI is an integral part of President Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
“The White House developed this initiative in recognition of the critical and increasing role that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa,” he said.
The envoy congratulated the new fellows on their competitive selection amongst 10,000 Nigerian applicants and tens of thousands of others throughout Africa.
“Our goal is to select a diverse group, both geographically and socio-economically, representing all segments of Nigeria.
“You represent the best of Nigeria’s youth and the future of the country.
“Your selection says a lot about who you are as young leaders and the level of impact you are having on your communities as entrepreneurs, civic leaders, public servants, and champions of renewable energy,” he said.
He said that 86 Nigerians have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship since 2014.
He urged the participants to share what they learn with members of their communities upon returns.
“We hope that you will leverage the U.S. and African connections you have established to their maximum potential,” he said.
United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, says 100 young Nigerians have been selected for entrepreneurship and leadership training in the 2016 Mandela Washington Fellowship in U.S.
Entwistle, stated this in Abuja during a reception organised by the U.S. Embassy for the participants who were selected from six geo-political zones in the country and the Federal Capital Territory.
He said that the participants would participate in an intensive, six-week programme on academic excellence and leadership on business and entrepreneurship, civic leadership, public management, and renewable energy at U.S. colleges and universities.
“The Mandela Washington Fellowship is the flagship programme of the President’s Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) and a key component of President Barack Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
“YALI is an integral part of President Obama’s commitment to invest in the future of Africa.
“The White House developed this initiative in recognition of the critical and increasing role that young Africans are playing in strengthening democratic institutions, spurring economic growth, and enhancing peace and security in Africa,” he said.
The envoy congratulated the new fellows on their competitive selection amongst 10,000 Nigerian applicants and tens of thousands of others throughout Africa.
“Our goal is to select a diverse group, both geographically and socio-economically, representing all segments of Nigeria.
“You represent the best of Nigeria’s youth and the future of the country.
“Your selection says a lot about who you are as young leaders and the level of impact you are having on your communities as entrepreneurs, civic leaders, public servants, and champions of renewable energy,” he said.
He said that 86 Nigerians have participated in the Mandela Washington Fellowship since 2014.
He urged the participants to share what they learn with members of their communities upon returns.
“We hope that you will leverage the U.S. and African connections you have established to their maximum potential,” he said.
As part of effort to reduce death caused by malaria to the minimum, a comic book was recently launched to better communicate information bothering on malaria diagnosis, prevention and treatment.
According to the author of the book, Mayowa Salau, Executive Director of Iba (Malaria) Eradication Foundation, the Malaria comic book is a culture specific advocacy book, which contains information such as malaria treatment, prevention, diagnosis and cause.
Salau noted that the book is designed for in and out of school children, with the intention to translate into four major languages spoken in Africa thus potentially reaching millions of children all over Africa.
“We are also making efforts to translate it in Hindi, largely spoken in Africa
“Children are one of most vulnerable groups affected by malaria. There were an estimated 660,000 malaria deaths around the world in 2010, of which approximately 86% were children,” he noted.
In her remarks, Mrs. Akintunde Ibironke, Advocacy, Communication, Sensitization and Social Mobilization Officer for Lagos State Malaria Elimination Programme, noted that the cosmopolitan nature of the state, coupled with peoples’ behaviour and the abundant distribution of coastal areas, encourage the availability of stagnant water for the breeding of anopheles mosquitoes.
This, according to her, is responsible for the stable pattern and continuous transmission of malaria all the year round.
Her words: “In 2015, 736,328 cases of malaria were documented through routine data collection processes. Malaria therefore remains a priority disease and the state Government will continue to demonstrate its commitment to its control.
“The present administration has renewed the commitment of the state Government to tackle the scourge of Malaria using a multi-pronged approach including: Environmental management and integrated Vector control for the prevention of Malaria; Effective diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Malaria cases.”
Students present at the launch in Lagos. Photo by David Lawal
In addition to that, she mentioned good Monitoring and Evaluation with emphasis on operational control for the prevention of Malaria; Effective diagnosis and appropriate treatment of Malaria cases; and good Monitoring and Evaluation with emphasis on operational research and the use of its result for evidence based programming.
Similarly, Deputy Public Affairs Officer, U.S. Consulate General in Nigeria, Frank Sellin recounted how vigorous efforts to fight malaria in Nigeria have reduced mortality rates among children under five by 18 percent, and malaria in children under five has declined by no less than 15 percent, Since 2011.
Represented by Mr Austin Emeanua, Mandela Washington Fellowship Coordinator, Selling observed that in the same 15 years, worldwide efforts to control malaria have resulted in a global drop in infection rates by 60 percent.
“We all have learned a great deal about the strategies that work. But even as we recognize the world-shaping power of volunteer efforts, international efforts, and government efforts, we also have to recognize the problem before us, laid out recently by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle.
“Ninety percent of all malaria deaths occur in sub-Saharan Africa. The vast majority are children under five. Malaria is killing one of our children every two minutes. Hundreds of millions of people get sick with malaria again and again.
“Malaria accounts for more than half of all school absences, and it costs billions of dollars each year in health care and lost productivity. I understand that Nigerian officials in the Malaria Elimination Program estimate that the Nigerian economy loses N132 billion annually, because of malaria. We can’t ignore this problem. No one can,” he maintained.
Speaking further, Sellin said: “If you want to see the chairs here, and the chairs in schools filled with promising young lives, then join the fight. Learn how you can prevent malaria, and get treated early. Teach others how to do that. Those missing children depend on everyone’s commitment to end malaria for good.”
Salau expressed appreciation to the office of the United State Consulate and the government of Lagos state, maintaining that the comic books are not for sale.
The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle, on Wednesday urged the Federal Government to create an enabling environment for big private companies to invest in the power sector, saying that is the solution to the challenges crippling the nation’s energy industry.
The U.S, according to the ambassador, identifies the private power players as the solution to the several challenges facing the country.
Entwistle spoke during a visit to the Minister of Science and Technology, Mr. Ogbonnaya Onu, in Abuja.
He advocated a stronger private sector participation in the energy industry.
Entwistle said his country has assisted Nigeria in nuclear energy programmes.
He said, “What we have done in nuclear energy in the past with Nigeria has been related to safety and we are very committed to increase the power sector through our Power Africa Programme. That comes with increasing generation through the private sector.”
Reacting to Onu’s request for technology transfer in the area of biotechnology, he stated, “the U.S would want to see what the minister has in mind specifically. Anything that he sends to us we shall look at it with great interest and see what is possible that can be done as fast as possible.
The envoy said it is important for Nigeria to collaborate with the U.S government and tap from their experience and technology and boost trade cooperation among African countries.
Onu said his ministry will explore the excellent working relationship with the U.S.
United States of America Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle has charged government spokespersons on the need to make timely information accessible to the public as part of efforts to promote democracy and accountability in governance.
According to him, “Open and unfettered access to information is the essential ingredient that promotes democracy and accountability in governance.”
Ambassador Entwistle stated this in a pre-recorded video remarks played at the opening ceremony of a two-day workshop for Spokespersons to governors in Northern Nigeria organised by US Embassy in partnership with the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Kaduna Thursday.
He stressed that an effective government press operation is critical in communicating clear and timely information to the public about government policies and actions, especially related to President Muhammadu Buhari’s priorities of counterterrorism, anti-Corruption and economic development.
“The training funded by the US Department of State, come in response to the office of the Presidency’s request of my government to help spokespersons at both the federal and state level to refine and learn new techniques on effective press office operations. A particular emphasis will be placed on countering radical narratives and helping to create a strong network of spokespersons throughout the Government of Nigeria.”
The Ambassador posited further that the work of the spokespersons carries a tremendous amount of responsibility and will help shape public knowledge and perceptions of government through the media, saying “your ability to do this job effectively in a fast-paced, technology-driven world requires frequently updating your skills.
”And to help impart this knowledge, we’ve brought Eduardo Cue, a Paris-based, American senior media consultant and journalist who also has experience as a government (UN) spokesperson.
“In this two-day training, Mr. Cue will teach the critical components for an effective press office operation, and coach participants on development of inter-governmental talking points. Participants will also benefit from techniques that can enhance their relationships with the media.
“Let me reiterate that the United States stands with Nigeria as your democracy grows, we do so as your friend and partner.”
Declaring the workshop open, Kaduna state Governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai called on the spokesperson of government to liaise with the media in disseminating information to the public.
Represented by his deputy, Barnabas Bala Bantex, said; “we are committed to transparency and we are committed to provision of the constitution particularly as it regards to the fundamental objectives and directive principles of state policies particularly the participation of the people in government.
In his speech, National President of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile, reminded government Spokespersons that they have a big role to play in making government information open and accessible to the people.
He commended the US government for the initiative and partnership with the NUJ in organising the workshop.
Odusile lamented, “it is difficult to understand the relationship between the media and government, for the simple reason that while people in government will want to keep the operations of government with utmost secrecy they can muster, media professionals on the other hand will like to subject government operations to the minutes scrutiny in order to ensure that government remains accountable to the people.
“In order to ensure effective delivery of services to the people by the government and to ensure that government on its part gets the needed support, the media have to function as conduits of information to the people to urge them to perform their civic responsibilities as expected, to enable government deliver the desired services.”
United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. James Entwistle has called for coordination among government spokespersons for effective countering of Boko Haram’s propagandas.
Entwistle, who spoke at the opening of the Federal Government Spokespersons’ workshop organized by the U.S embassy in collaboration with Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), maintained that effective press operations are critical to communicating clear and timely information to the public.
The training which was at the request of President Muhammadu Buhari, the ambassador said would place emphasis on countering radical narratives and helping the government to create a much coordinated front.
He said, “Effective government press operations are critical to communicating clear and timely information to the public. Your ability to deliver President Buhari’s messages about counter-terrorism, ending corruption, and furthering economic development are important to the future of Nigeria.”
The ambassador also added that “open and unfettered access to information is the essential ingredient that promotes democracy and accountability in governance.
He reminded Mr. Femi Adesina, Special Assistant to the President of Media and Publicity, Mr. Shehu Garba, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and other government spokespersons present at the forum that their work carries a tremendous amount of responsibility.
“It will shape public knowledge and perceptions of the government. Doing this job effectively, in a fast-paced, technology-driven world requires cutting edge skills,” he added.
Despite anxieties and fears being expressed ahead of the 2015 elections, Nigeria is adequately prepared for a peaceful, free, fair, transparent and credible polls, Senate President, David Mark has assured.
A statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Paul Mumeh, said that Mark told visiting United States Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, in Abuja Friday that the electoral umpire, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is well equipped with necessary tools and personnel for the polls.
Mumeh quoted Mark to have told his visitor that Nigerians are also ready for the elections.
Mark said, “Our citizens are now more conscious of their rights and indeed the values of their votes. What we expect from our friends and the international community is support and cooperation.
“Security challenge is there but we have intensified efforts and our security operatives now more equipped to contain the situation. So far, Nigerians are desirous of a peaceful conduct of the elections. I’m sure the outcome would be cheering to all.”
The statement said that Mark believed that the exercise would be interesting and thanked the government and people of U.S for the support to Nigeria especially towards the elections.
It said that Entwistle acknowledged that Nigeria is heading towards a great democratic exercise in 2015 which he said the global community is looking forward to with keen interest.
The Ambassador, the statement said, harped on the need for a violent- free election and expressed satisfaction that all the principal contenders for the polls have all signed a pact for a violent free- elections in 2015.
It said that Entwistle stressed the need for transparency and the inevitability of citizens to hold officials accountable at all times.
