The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Obama

Envoy: it’ll make good sense for Obama to visit Nigeria

Jeffrey Hawkins will next month bow out of Nigeria as the United States (U.S.) Consul-General. Hawkins, who was appointed in 2012, is on the way to the Central African Republic (CAR), subject to U.S. Senate’s approval. In this interview with OLUKOREDE YISHAU, he speaks on the leadership crisis in the National Assembly, Boko Haram, possible visit of President Barack Obama to Nigeria, visa administration and the Nigerian political class.

Are you happy you are escaping from Nigeria?

(Laughs) I am not escaping from Nigeria. I have been kicking and screaming from Nigeria. I am not happy I am leaving. I am certainly happy I have a new assignment, a new challenge to accomplish. I am happy I have a new challenge. Did I want to leave here or was I looking forward to a departure? Absolutely not! This has been a wonderful place for me. In my 25-year career, it has been without doubt my favourite place to have served and the most rewarding professionally.

What were the challenges you faced?

Essentially, the challenges are multiple and they are challenges any diplomat anywhere will face. I think the most important questions are the opportunities, the advantages we have. Most important, there has been a congruence of Nigerian and American interest. On some levels that I have not been able to put my fingers on, there are some things Nigerians and Americans have in common and they get along well. Nigerians that move to the United States tend to do very well and Americans here have challenges and issues… but diplomats who have served here tend to have a good memory. So, there were challenges but there were a lot going on that made this work very rewarding.

President Buhari is visiting the U.S. Is there any plan for President Obama to come to Nigeria?

I don’t think there is anything on the table right now. I am going to guess that that is something they may talk about when President Buhari is in Washington. I will hope that the President will come here because it is such an important country and it is such an important partner for us. It will make good sense.

What do you make of the happenings at the National Assembly?

I think it is early days yet. Obviously, the National Assembly is a sovereign legislative body, the Senate and the House of Representatives have the right to make their own choices about who they want for their own leadership…Even though the House of Representatives and the Senate are controlled by the President’s party, it does not mean they must do everything the President wants.

The U.S. has always raised the concern about the need to fight insurgency with utmost respect for human rights. How possible is this?

It is a hard thing, but it is a balance the United States is struggling with. We’ve been involved in conflict resolution in Afghanistan and I think what is important to keep in mind is that you can’t win war against insurgency if you do not bring the people along with you, particularly in a place like Nigeria where the military is fighting to protect the civilian population. So, if there is a sense that the human rights have not been respected by the security forces, that gets in the way of proper success in the fight against insurgency and this will be morally wrong and legally wrong. So, it is something that you have to look at very carefully and I think President Buhari has responded well to the concerns of international NGOs. ..That is the proper approach.

What do you make of Nigerian politicians?

Like Nigeria itself, Nigerian political class is very diverse and I have met Nigerian politicians that I have deeply admired and impressed with their concern for the people and their desire to do things with creative ideas. I have also met Nigerian politicians who were less impressive. .. I do hope that the Nigerian people tend to lavish their attention and votes on the former category, not the latter.

Do you think political parties in Nigeria are driven by principles or just power?

I think the party system should have more emphasis on ideologies, policies and approaches to solving problems and less emphasis on individuals. This idea of switching parties back and forth because you couldn’t get one job you want, I don’t think that is in Nigeria’s interest and flies in the face of democracy tenets.

How much benefit has Nigeria got from AGOA?

Not very much so far. Obviously, the oil sector has a lot of benefits from it. United States has worked very hard in co-ordination with Nigeria to encourage Nigeria to diversify its export to the United States and that will very much be to the interest of Nigeria and I hope the Buhari administration will look into this. The whole idea of that Act is to improve trade relations…If Nigeria is not benefitting from that, that is too bad.

During the collation of the results of the last presidential election, the ambassador visited the collation centre and some people have described this as interference in our domestic affair. What is your take on this?

The people who feel that way obviously do not understand the role of international observers. The ambassador was accredited as an observer like the rest of us and we have the right and really the responsibility to ensure the electoral process across the board is being conducted in a transparent way. Part of that is being at the polling centres when the people are voting and being at the collation centre after the election has taken place. It is a huge part of the process and it is something that international and domestic observers should be able to observe because it is part of the democratic system.

Currently, Nigerians can get UK visa valid for 10 years. When will that happen for American visa?

Generally speaking, the United States approach to visa is on reciprocal basis. So, whatever the other country does, we do. Currently, Nigeria gives only two years visa to United States citizens travelling to Nigeria. So, we are more or less obliged to do the same. Do we want Nigeria to expand that? That will be something we will quickly look at, because obviously, a longer visa period means less visa interviews for our staff and less work. We will love that, but our people need to benefit from same.

How much help can Nigeria get from the U.S. to recover stolen funds?

Working through legal process, through law enforcement agencies and Nigeria will get as much help as other countries. Obviously, the wider goal of fighting corruption is one that the United States shares with many of its partners and will love to work with Nigeria.

Let’s talk about Kashamu Buruji. Why does the U.S. want him so badly?

I am not going to discuss an ongoing legal matter.

Lessons learnt from your stay in Nigeria…

The lessons learnt are really basic and they are that Nigeria is absolutely essential actor on the African stage and on the wider global stage and it is quite important for the United States to be engaged with Nigeria. We have been working and cooperating with Nigeria because this is a country with an important present and a much more important future. We need to be here and we are here.

What changed from the Nigeria you have lived in for three years and the Nigeria you heard of before you came here in 2012?

I heard a lot from people, particularly in the policy world, about the investment opportunities here. There were also a lot about 419 and corruption and the rest. Also there was a growing awareness about Boko Haram as I was coming here in 2012 and so concerns about security. Those are facets of a bigger reality. It doesn’t define our relationship and it doesn’t define Nigeria.

Were there things you planned to do and couldn’t do in three years?

One of the things is not travelling more in the North. I took a one-day trip to Kaduna from Abuja. I would have loved to see the horsemen in Kano and go up to Sokoto.

What will you miss about Nigeria?

The people obviously and the work, the work has been really wonderful.

June 30, 2015
Ikorodu robbery: Strengthen waterways security, says Assembly

LAGOS State House of Assembly has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the Nigerian Navy and other relevant agencies to provide adequate security on waterways in the metropolis following last week’s Ikorodu bank robbery.

Moving a motion on the incident that occurred at Ipakodo, Ikorodu, where two banks were robbed by bandits, who escaped through the waterways, Majority Leader, Sanai Agunbiade also urged Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to strengthen the Waterways Guard Corps.

He said the corps should be supported to discharge its functions as enshrined in the Lagos State Waterways Agency Law 2008, adding that the two helicopters bought for LASWA should be utilised.

Agunbiade, urged all commercial banks and structures near jetties to strengthen their security by installing high density cameras on their premises.

“The Rapid Response Squad (RRS) should extend its operations from the roads to waterways. The Federal Government, through the National Assembly, should approve the formation of state police by the 36 states in the country,” he said.

Olumuyiwa Jimoh from Apapa Constituency 2 said the Maritime Police should be involved in securing the waterways.

Lanre Ogunyemi from Ojo Constituency 2, observed that armed robbers were trying to put the state under siege, adding that the Ikorodu incident was similar to that of Lekki which occured about two months ago.

“The armed robbers operated commando-like unchallenged and with highly sophisticated equipment and highly experienced individuals. We should wake up to strengthen the control and security of our waterways. We should work with the communities along the waterways for intelligence purposes. We need more Armoured Personnel Carriers (APCs) in Lagos,” he said.

Sikiru Oshinowo from Kosofe Constituency 1, however, suggested that it was better to license all boats for the government to know the number of boats operating in the state and for easy recognition of anyone used for robbery.

Yinka Ogundimu from Agege 2 Constituency said security should be taken seriously, adding that it would be difficult for RRS to operate on the waterways.

Rotimi Olowo from Shomolu Constituency 1 accused the Nigerian Navy of focusing on dredgers and miners rather than tackling robbery despite the incentives given them for such task.

He advised banks and other financial institutions to invest in Information Technology to help security men perform their duties.

Olufunmilayo Tejuosho from Mushin Constituency 1 said: “The Federal Government needs to strengthen the Navy and the Police. We also need to know the challenges facing the waterways and the Lagos State Security Trust Fund (LSSTF). Authorities at the LSSTF should be invited to the House. We need to amend the law of LSSTF 2008 and make their corps more effective.

Moshood Oshun from Mainland Constituency 2 said waterway robbery was a national problem, noting that banks are not on waterways, but on the streets.

He said he witnessed the Lekki robbery, which he described as “scary”, adding that the robbers go to the banks with explosives.

June 30, 2015
Boko Haram to dominate Buhari, Obama’s July meeting in US

The issue of insecurity to dominate discussion when President Muhammadu Buhari visit the United states next month.

Buhari is expected to be a guest to his United States (US) counterpart, Barack Obama on July 20th, 2015.

The visit is at the instance of US government.

According to a press release issued by the US embassy in Abuja, the meeting would seek to advance a holistic, regional approach to combating Boko Haram.

Also to be discussed is Nigeria’s efforts to advance far reaching economic and political reforms that will help unlock its full potential as a regional and global leader.

The visit, the statement further stated, will underscore US longstanding friendship with Nigeria.

He said: “The visit will underscore the United States’ longstanding friendship with Nigeria, our commitment to strengthening and expanding our partnership with Nigeria’s new government, and our support for the Nigerian people following their historic democratic elections and peaceful transfer of power.

“President Obama looks forward to discussing with President Buhari our many shared priorities including U.S.-Nigeria cooperation to advance a holistic, regional approach to combating Boko Haram, as well as Nigeria’s efforts to advance important economic and political reforms that will help unlock its full potential as a regional and global leader.

“In addition to hosting President Buhari at the White House, the United States will welcome President Buhari’s senior advisors for consultations with U.S. counterparts and other events aimed at building on the strong U.S.-Nigeria relationship.”

June 25, 2015
Church shootings: Racism a blight on society – Obama

Racism remains a “blight on society, United States President Barack Obama has said, in the wake of the killing of nine African-Americans in a South Carolina church.

Police are treating the killings at the church in Charleston on Wednesday night as a hate crime, the BBC reports.

Earlier, the murder suspect, Dylann Roof, 21, appeared in court to face charges.

He showed no emotion as relatives of the victims addressed him directly. “I forgive you”, said one victim’s daughter, fighting back tears.

Speaking in San Francisco, Mr. Obama said: “The apparent motivations of the shooter remind us that racism remains a blight that we have to combat together.

“We have made great progress, but we have to be vigilant because it still lingers.

“And when it’s poisoning the minds of young people, it betrays our ideals and tears our democracy apart.”

But the President praised the families of the victims for the forgiveness they had shown.

He said it was “an expression of faith that is unimaginable but that reflects the goodness of the American people.”

Obama also called for a new debate on gun control, and pushed Congress to follow public opinion.

“It’s not enough for us to express sympathy; we have to take action,” he said.

A previous proposed bill banning assault weapons failed to win backing in the Senate.

At a Charleston sports arena, thousands gathered on Friday evening to remember the victims with prayers. They joined hands to sing We Shall Overcome.

June 20, 2015
Buhari arrives Germany for talks with Obama, G7 leaders

President Muhammadu Buhari has arrived Munich, Germany on Sunday to begin a two-day official visit where he will participate in the G-7 Outreach program for invited heads of government and global institutions.

Buhari, who was received on arrival by the Vice Minister-President of Bavaria, Mrs. Inge Aigner, was accompanied by Governor Kashim Shettima of Borno State, former Governor Babatunde Fashola, Gen. A. Dambazau (rtd.) and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Paul B. Lolo.

Other invited Heads of States and international institutions who will join President Buhari at the working session with G-7 leaders on Monday at Elmau include President Jacob Zuma of South Africa, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, President Macky Sall of Senegal, President Beji Caid Essebsi of Tunisia and Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn of Ethiopia.

The statement reads: “Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi of Iraq, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Mr. Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary-General of the OECD, Mr. Angel Gurria, the Managing Director of the IMF, Mrs. Christine Largarde, the President of the World Bank Group, Dr. Jim Yong Kim, the Director-General of the International Labour Organistion, Mr. Guy Rider, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission , Mrs. Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma and the Director-General of the World Trade Organisation are also scheduled to participate in Monday’s Outreach Session with G-7 leaders.”

Before leaving Munich for home on Monday, President Buhari will hold bilateral talks with the Chancellor Angela Merkel of Germany and Prime Minister Stephen Harper of Canada on the sidelines of the G-7 Outreach Programme.

He is also expected to meet President Barack Obama, President Francois Hollande of France, Prime Minister David Cameron of Britain, and other G-7 leaders in the course of the Outreach Session and a working lunch at the Elmau Castle.

The Head of the Bavarian regional government will host a dinner in honour of President Buhari and other leaders invited to the G-7 Outreach Programme on Sunday night.

June 7, 2015
Obama to meet Buhari at G-7 Summit

•President departs Abuja today

President Barack Obama is to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari this week on the sidelines of the G-7 summit in Germany.

The summit takes place at Schloss Elmau, a 100-year-old castle-turned-resort nestled in a national forest in the Bavarian Alps.

Obama is scheduled to spend today and tomorrow with Buhari and the leaders of Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United Kingdom as well as leaders from Iraq and Tunisia.

Nigeria, Tunisia and Iraq are attending a portion of the meetings dedicated to outreach partners. That meeting will include a discussion about terrorism.

Buhari is departing Abuja today for the summit.

Mallam Garba Shehu, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, said yesterday that the President’s invitation to the meeting “is a clear indication of the international community’s willingness to cooperate with the new government of Nigeria.”

Shehu said: “He is in a group of seven other Heads of State who were called in as guests. He will equally be holding key side meetings with some of the seven Heads of State who will be convened at the summit.

“The international community is obviously acknowledging Nigeria’s significant role in global affairs especially with the recent change in government.”

Obama and Buhari are expected to discuss the Boko Haram insurgency in the Northeast.

The meeting is a follow up to that between Buhari and the US Secretary of State, Mr. John Kerry shortly after the inauguration of the Nigerian President penultimate Friday.

Officials in Washington D.C. said during the week that the USA will be dispatching a team to Abuja soon to assist in the war against Boko Haram.

Boko Haram has increased its attacks and suicide bombings in the wake of the vow by Buhari to crush the ‘mindless’ and “godless” group.

The Washington Post reported yesterday that while the US is eager to defeat Boko Haram it is being cautious of offering a large increase in military assistance to Nigeria before the armed forces are restructured.

It quoted an unnamed senior US official as saying: “I think we might be seeing the end of the large battlefield phase of this, but if Boko Haram goes back to hit-and-run tactics, it could be even harder for Nigerian military forces.”

The paper said the United States is trying to navigate ways to support Nigeria’s new leader, without violating American legislation that prevents it from giving aid to human rights abusers.

An Amnesty International report during the week accused the hierarchy of the Nigerian military of human rights abuse in the course of the war against Boko Haram.

President Buhari has promised to probe the allegations.

June 7, 2015
Obama, Ban-Ki Moon, Carrington, Hollande, others greet president-elect

The World rose in unison yesterday to endorse Saturday’s election won by Gen. Muhammadu Buhari.

The United Nations, the United States, France and the European Union observer team in separate statements commended the polls’ outcome and hailed outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan for being magnanimous in victory.

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon and other world leaders congratulated President-elect Buhari on his hard worn victory.

In a statement from in New York, Ban said he had spoken to Jonathan and Buhari on the outcome of the polls as declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

He commended Jonathan for his leadership qualities throughout the electoral process and his statesmanship in upholding the democratic process. He also applauded the INEC for organising the elections in a professional and credible “manner under challenging circumstances”. The UN Chief called on all Nigerians to accept the outcome of the elections

Ban also appealed to them to address any complaints they may have through existing legal and constitutional channels. The Secretary-General said the successful conduct of the polls was a testimony to the maturity of Nigeria’s democracy. He expressed hope that the same democratic spirit would prevail in the conduct of the governorship and state Houses of Assembly elections on April 11.

United States President Barack Obama also congratulated President-elect Buhari.

In a statement, Obama said: “The last few days have shown the world the strength of Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles. By turning out in large numbers and sometimes waiting all day to cast their votes, Nigerians came together to decide the future of their country peacefully.

“I commend President Goodluck Jonathan and President-Elect Muhammadu Buhari for their public commitments to non-violence throughout the campaign. President Jonathan has placed his country’s interests first by conceding the election and congratulating President-Elect Buhari on his victory. I look forward to working with President Jonathan throughout the remainder of his term, and I thank him for his many years of service and his statesmanlike conduct at this critical juncture. I urge President-Elect Buhari and President Jonathan to repeat their calls to their supporters to continue to respect the election outcomes, focus on unifying the country, and together lead Nigeria through a peaceful transition.

“Nigeria’s Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and its Chairman, Attahiru Jega, deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote. I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process. Looking ahead to the gubernatorial elections on April 11, it is imperative that national attention turn to ensuring isolated logistical challenges are overcome and peace is protected, even in the most hotly contested races.

“On behalf of the American people, I extend congratulations to the people of Nigeria and to President-Elect Buhari and look forward to continuing to work with the newly-elected government on our many shared priorities.”

The President of the Republic of France, Mr François Hollande congratulated Gen. Buhari in a statement issued in Abuja by France embassy in Nigeria. It stated that Hollande welcomed the commitment of the Nigerian people and the professionalism exhibited by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in the conduct of the polls.

According to the statement, the French President will speak with Buhari today as France intends to continue its cordial relationship with Nigeria.

“France continues to stand with Nigeria to uphold democratic values, fight against terrorism and promote economic partnership between the two countries,’’ it said.

It added: “This is a victory for the president, but it’s also a victory for the people of Nigeria who affirmed their attachment to democracy and their confidence in the future, by refusing to allow themselves to be intimidated by terrorists.

“Today, Nigeria can show the world that it is a major democracy. It is a source of pride for the population and a source of satisfaction to Nigeria’s partners.

“We welcome the spirit of responsibility demonstrated by the political leaders and pay tribute to the action of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I hope that President Buhari’s term of office will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries and to put an end to Boko Haram’s terrorist activities. We also hope that Nigeria will be able to continue its remarkable economic growth, in the interest of the continent’s prosperity.”

President-elect Buhari has been receiving congratulatory messages from other world a and Nigerians leaders. He received former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and his wife Hajiya Titi and the U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield and accompanied by U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria James Entwistle, among others.

They all pledged their support and commitment to ensuring the success of the Buhari administration and for better relations between their countries and Nigeria.

In his response to the various leaders, General Buhari thanked the international community for working with Nigerians in providing the atmosphere that helped to bring about change through elections in the country.

He promised to work with the international community to restore Nigeria’s full commitment and obligations to the international system.

Former U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Walter Carrington in a statement said: “Nigeria has passed the most important milestone on the road to an enduring democracy – the peaceful transfer of power through the ballot box from one party to another. President-Elect Buhari has achieved a decisive victory. In spite of serious security threats the people of Nigeria turned out in impressive numbers to declare by whom they wish to be governed for the next four years. President Jonathan has set the stage for a peaceful transfer of power through his gracious congratulatory call to his successor.

”I feel great optimism for the future of my wife’s homeland. A united Nigeria under the leadership of a man so dedicated and capable of curbing corruption and restoring peace and security can reclaim its moral authority as the leader of the continent from which my ancestors came.

”Arese and I pray for the success of the Buhari administration and will do all we can to work for the strengthening of relations between the United States and Nigeria.”

The European Union (EU) Observer Mission for the elections yesterday described President Jonathan as a good example to the world following the way he conducted the polls and conceded victory to his opponent without rancour.

Head of the EU Observer Mission, Santiago Fisas said: “I congratulate him (Jonathan) for that and I seized the opportunity to give to him our preliminary report about the election.

“He was very happy and of course, I will come back in July with the final statement at a press conference and to give it to the new President and our recommendations would be contained in the final report.

“The elections are so important for the people of Nigeria, but it is an African example for all Africa and countries in the world.

“You know many people didn’t expect that the elections will be peaceful, they expected a lot of violence after the elections but it turned out not to be true.

“Also, I congratulate President Jonathan but I would like to congratulate Nigerian people because they showed a lot of commitment to that election.

“Not in all circumstances would you see such that, people stood in the sun for a very long and hot day, despite some of these problems. It shows that you Nigerians are truly democratic.” he said

According to him, it would remain the discretion of the Nigerian government to decide what recommendations to adopt or reject from the Mission’s findings about this year’s elections.

He said: “It is up to Nigerian government to accept or not to accept the recommendations. We are observers and we have made our recommendations and I don’t want to advance the final report that will be finished after the gubernatorial elections.

“When we can embark on a new ideas with a new President, probably that will be in July, then we will make recommendations public”, he said.

April 2, 2015
Obama to Nigerians: reject violence

United States President Barack Obama has urged Nigerians to be peaceful, no matter who wins Saturday’s election.

Obama, in his message to Nigerians ahead of the crucial elections, also reminded Nigerians that violence has no place in the democratic process.

He urged political leaders and candidates not to incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during or after the votes are counted.

The message reads: “ I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.

”Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges you face today. Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children—must be stopped. Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress.

“Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve made. Together, you won your independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions. You’ve strived to overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength. You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa.

”Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming elections. For elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful. All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear.

”So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections—and that they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during, or after the votes are counted. I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.

”I’m told that there is a saying in your country: to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done. Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America.”

March 24, 2015
Obama to Nigeria: Reject calls for violence

Ahead of this weekend general elections, United States President Barack Obama has urged Nigerians to reject calls for violence during and after the elections.

Obama in his message to Nigerians also reminded Nigerians that violence has no place in democratic process.

He therefore charged political leaders and candidates not to incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during, or after the votes are counted.

The message which was made available to Diplomatic Correspondents in Abuja reads: “I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.

“Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges you face today. Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children—must be stopped. Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress.

“Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve made. Together, you won your independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions. You’ve strived to overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength. You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa.

“Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming elections. For elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful. All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear.

“So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections—and that they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during, or after the votes are counted. I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.

“I’m told that there is a saying in your country: “to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.” Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America.”

March 23, 2015
Ebola: Obama to bring back U.S troops from Africa

President Barack Obama is set to announce on Wednesday that he will bring back nearly all of the 1,300 United States troops deployed in West Africa to fight the Ebola epidemic by April 30, the White House said late on Tuesday.

Obama, who was excoriated last fall for a slow start to his Ebola outbreak response, will hold a White House event to showcase how U.S leadership helped stem the epidemic, which has killed almost 9,000 people, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, Reuters says.

The number of new cases each week has dropped to about 150 in recent reports, down from more than 1,000 new cases per week in October, the White House said.

“We are encouraged by the declining number of new Ebola cases in West Africa, but remain concerned about a recent increase in cases in Guinea, and an inability to further reduce case counts in Sierra Leone,” the White House said in a statement.

“Moreover, given that a single case can lead to flare-ups of the virus, we must not lose focus,” the White House said, noting about 100 U.S military personnel will remain in West Africa to help.
At the height of the epidemic, about 2,800 military personnel were deployed to West Africa.

Troops built 10 Ebola treatment units and a medical unit to treat infected healthcare workers.

At least 10 people are known to have been treated for Ebola in the U.S, four of them diagnosed with the disease on U.S. soil

February 11, 2015