The Nation Newspaper

Tag: U.S. Government

  • ’57 migrant kids under age five reunited with family’

    The U.S. Government said on Thursday that it had reunited all eligible children under age 5 with their parents after their separation at the U.S.-Mexico border caused an international uproar.

    The government, which is under court order to reunite thousands of children separated from their parents under its “zero-tolerance’’ policy, said 57 had been reunited as of 7 a.m. (1200 GMT) on Thursday.

    The remaining 46 in the group were ineligible for a variety of reasons, including having parents suspected of abuse, according to a joint statement from the Department of Homeland Security, the Justice Department and the Department of Health and Human Services.

    The government is under pressure to reunite the children under a court order issued on June 26.

    The zero-tolerance policy required their separation after they attempted to cross illegally over the U.S.-Mexico border.

    The Trump administration initiated the policy in April as a tactic against illegal migration.

    But my mid June, when the government admitted that more than 2,000 children had been separated while their parents were held in detention awaiting court dates, the administration came under pressure to rescind it.

    President Donald Trump responded by signing an executive order to keep migrant families together after they cross the U.S.-Mexico border.

    The June 26 court order gave the government one month to reunite all children affected by the policy, but set a tighter deadline of 14 days for reuniting children under age 5.

    The government initially failed to meet that deadline on Tuesday, saying it had reunited only four of the young children with their parents.

  • Boko Haram: Saraki lauds U.S over sale of fighter jets to Nigeria

    Boko Haram: Saraki lauds U.S over sale of fighter jets to Nigeria

    President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki, has commended the United States government for agreeing to sell fighter jets to Nigeria to combat the Boko Haram insurgency in the North East.

    The U.S government, through its Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Stuart Symington, had on Thursday announced its decision to sell A29 Super Tucano fighter jets to the Nigerian Air Force.

    Symington presented Letters of Offer and Acceptance to Nigeria, which represents the official American government’s offer to sell defence articles and services to Nigeria during a visit to Nigeria’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshall Sidique Abubakar.

    Saraki said the development was a positive indication that America was genuinely desirous of helping to enthrone peace in Nigeria and ending the insurgency in the North East part of the country.

    He promised that the Senate would support the plan by the Buhari administration to purchase high powered security equipment in order to strengthen the Armed Forces.

    The Senate president recalled that the sale of weapons to Nigeria came up for discussion when he received an eight-man U.S congressional delegation, led by Senator Christopher Coons on August 28.

    “My gratitude and that of my colleagues goes to Senator Coons and other members of his delegation for giving Congressional backing to this arms sales arrangement.

    “They have kept their words and backed it up with action. During that visit, they promised they would help to ensure the arms sales embargo against Nigeria was lifted. Now, we can see that they are true partners in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria.

    “It is obvious that if the Congress had vetoed the arm sales deal, we won’t be talking of this expected new fighter jets which will definitely help us to finally defeat the Boko Haram insurgents and fully restore the confidence of our fighting force,” Saraki stated.

    He commended Amb. Symington for demonstrating consistent commitment to helping Nigeria fully restore peace in the troubled North East zone.

    “Since his first meeting with me after he resumed, Amb. Symington had promised that he would make the lift of the U.S ban on sale of military hardware to Nigeria one of his priority deliverables. Now, he has shown he is a true partner in Nigeria’s counter-insurgency campaigns,” the Senate president added.

    He also called on Nigeria’s partners across the world, especially in Europe to emulate the U.S by also supporting the anti-insurgency campaign of the present administration through gestures like sale of arms and provision of assistance towards the rebuilding, reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war-ravaged areas in the North East.

     

     

     

     

  • Boko Haram: U.S pledges more support for Nigeria

    Boko Haram: U.S pledges more support for Nigeria

    The United States on Wednesday assured that it would continue to support Nigeria’s Armed Forces in the bid to defeat the Boko Haram sect and eliminate all forms of terrorism from the nation’s territory.

    The U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, gave the assurance while presenting the Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) in respect of the A29 Super Tucano Aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    Symington, who handed over the documents to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at the NAF Headquarters in Abuja, noted that peaceful co-existence in Nigeria was strategic to the security of the entire West African sub-region in particular and the world at large.

    According to a statement signed by NAF Director of Public Relations and Information, Air Vice Marshal Olatokunbo Adesanya, the LOA represents the official U.S Government offer to sell U.S Defence articles and services to the Nigerian Government.

    The statement said: “The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, today (Wednesday) presented the Letters of Offer and Acceptance (LOA) in respect of the A29 Super Tucano Aircraft to the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

    “The LOA represents the official U.S Government offer to sell U.S defence articles and services to the Nigerian Government.

    ” Speaking while presenting the LOA to the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, at NAF Headquarters in Abuja, the U.S Ambassador noted that peaceful co-existence in Nigeria was strategic to the security of the entire West African sub-region in particular and the entire world at large.

    “Accordingly, Ambassador Symington expressed the commitment of the U.S Government to helping Nigeria completely defeat the Boko Haram terrorists and also eliminate all forms of terrorism from its territory.

    “In addition, he conveyed the U.S Government’s belief that the capacity of the NAF could greatly be enhanced by the acquisition of the SuperTucano Aircraft.

    According to him, the U.S Government would therefore continue to support the NAF in its capacity building efforts, including the timely supply of needed aircraft spares.

    “The U.S Ambassador also indicated the readiness of relevant U.S Government officials to work with NAF officials to facilitate the early delivery of the aircraft once payment had been made. In that regard, officials of both the U.S Government and the NAF would be meeting in early January 2018 to jointly study the LOA prior to subsequent endorsements by both parties.”

     

  • FBI, U.S. Justice Department offer support to ICPC

    FBI, U.S. Justice Department offer support to ICPC

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) says it has received an offer of support from the U.S. Government to enhance its operations.

    The offer, according to a statement posted on the ICPC website, is specifically coming from the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the U.S. Department of Justice.

    A team of officials from both organs of the U.S. government made the proposal during a visit to the ICPC Chairman, Mr Ekpo Nta, in Abuja, the commission said.

    It said the team comprised Special Agent Pamela Bergren of the FBI; Scott Thorley of the U.S. Department of Justice; Special Agent John Wilson of the FBI and Legal Attache, U.S. Embassy, Nigeria; and Jim Oscar of the FBI.

    Wilson was quoted as saying that the team would like to organise a mentorship programme for investigators and prosecutors of the commission.

    He emphasised that the involvement of prosecutors in the investigation process of a case from start to finish would greatly improve the chances of successful prosecutions.

    The special agent reportedly noted that the team had been working with other anti-corruption agencies in Nigeria.

    He added that the proposed mentorship would help the officers of the commission to achieve timely case management and save resources that would have been otherwise wasted.

    Responding, the ICPC chairman, represented by the Commission’s Secretary, Mr Elvis Oglafa, solicited the assistance of the U.S. in its operations.

    Nta said the commission would welcome any idea that would improve its prosecutorial and investigative processes as well as the various preventive strategies in its anti-corruption campaign.

     

  • Falana to FG: ….Stop begging for money, recover stolen loots

    Falana to FG: ….Stop begging for money, recover stolen loots

    Human Rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN) has called on the Federal Government to adopt an “aggressive policy” to recover looted funds and stop asking for loans.

    Falana said this on the side line of an event to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day organised by the U.S. Embassy in Abuja on Thursday.

    “People have stolen our money, why are you begging them to return it? We need to fight them and collect the money; we do not need loans that will mortgage the future of our country.

    “The government is asking for a loan of $29.6 billion and we have more than that to recover,” he said.

    He called on the U.S Government to intervene and also urged anti-graft agencies to enhance cooperation to ensure the recovery of such funds.

    He said that the Federal Government’s current plan to recover stolen loots of past administrations would not get the country out of its economic crisis.

    ” For instance, $458 million has been forfeited in the U.S.; Nigeria has filed an application before the High Court in Jersey where the money was traced to.

    “But the U.S. Government has filed an objection to the release of the money to the government of Nigeria, claiming the money should be paid to the U.S Government to be managed for Nigeria.

    “We also have some money to collect from the Swiss Government; the Swiss Government is illegally saying that they are not going to release this money unless the World Bank is ready to supervise the management of the fund.”

    Falana added, “Unfortunately, the government (Nigeria) is not challenging such violations of our sovereign rights as a nation.

    “Unless the Federal Government is prepared to adopt an aggressive policy against western governments and their very corrupt financial institutions, we are not going to come out of this mess.”

    He said that the Federal Government’s request for loans would be detrimental to the future of the country.

    Falana further called on Nigeria media to join the campaign of the return of the country’s looted wealth.

    “The Financial Times Magazine of the UK wrote an editorial asking the UK Government to release not less than one billion pounds instead of giving us aid; the Nigerian media should join the campaign,” he said.

  • U.S. Assures of steady funding for HIV/AIDS

    U.S. Assures of steady funding for HIV/AIDS

    The United State has assured Nigeria of steady funding for HIV/AIDS in Nigeria and has appealed for increased domestic funding to combat HIV/AIDS.

    The declaration was made by Ms Shirley Dady, the Coordinator of the U.S. President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR),while briefing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja.

    Dady said that the organisation is expecting its funding in Nigeria to be constant, adding that “this year we have a budget of $400 million for the HIV/AIDS response”.

    “We are looking at ways where we can be more efficient with the resources so that we can increase the number of people we place on treatment every year.

    “We are hoping that the government of Nigeria can also contribute and increase funding in a meaningful way to conquer the epidemic,’’ she said.

    She said the U.S. government is committed to working with Nigeria to achieve the UNAIDS 90-90-90 target which will allow us to get ahead of the epidemic.

    The coordinator said: “We are looking to diagnose 90 per cent of people on the HIV; place 90 per cent of the HIV-positive people on treatment.’’

    She added that the ambitious UNAIDS target also aimed at reducing the viral load by 90 per cent to reduce HIV transmission in the Nigeria.

    She said there is a new technology that encourages private testing of HIV; the kit will hopefully be available in Nigeria soon.

    Besides, Dady said stigma and discrimination which affects the gains in controlling HIV/AIDS by 2020 and ending HIV/AIDS by 2030.

    The official added that there is no reason to discriminate among people living with the virus, stressing that HIV is not different from other non-communicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes and other chronic diseases.

    “If one is found to be positive to HIV; he can be placed on the ART and to reduce the viral load and ability to transmit the virus, and it can also help one to remain healthy.

    “Back in the early days of HIV it was seen as a death sentence, people did not find out how to live with the virus until when it is very late and many of them just passed away.

    “Today when you found out that you are positive you start ART and live positively,’’ she said.

    Dady said this year’s World AIDS Day is set to think about our colleagues who are HIV positive and those who had passed away due to the epidemic.

    She added that day would also be used to commemorate and think about those people who are now able to live positively based on the new advances and treatment.

    Earlier, Stuart Symington, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, said the U.S. government has supported Nigeria to put 762,000 people on antiretroviral therapy.

    He added that 12,665,000 Nigerians were supported by the U.S. government to know their status.

    However, he appealed to the Nigerian government to re-strengthen the healthcare system to augment the support of its partners.

  • Niger Delta crisis: U.S, Dickson insist on dialogue

    Niger Delta crisis: U.S, Dickson insist on dialogue

    The United States Government and Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson, on Wednesday insisted that the Federal Government should use dialogue, not military might, to resolve the crisis in the Niger Delta region.

    They said honest and sincere talks involving all the stakeholders in the region would have far-reaching impact on peace, security and stability of the country.

    A three-man team of senior U.S officials led by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Mr. David Young, spoke in Yenagoa, when they paid a courtesy visit to Dickson as part of their ongoing fact-finding tour of the Niger Delta.

    Other members of the team were Consul-General, John Bray and Chief of Political and Economic Section, Tom Hines.

    Addressing Dickson, Young said: “The United States Government feels very strongly that all stakeholders should be engaged in dialogue as part of step to arrive at equitable and fair solution for all involved.”

    He observed that the major challenge facing Nigeria was to translate the oil wells into meaningful development to impact positively on the lives of the citizens.

    He said the country should strive to ensure an end to violence and establish conditions and mechanisms for lasting change and economic opportunities for the people.

    He said the mission constantly engaged all stakeholders such as governors, civil society group, legislators and non-governmental organisations to promote transparency and fiscal responsibility.

    According to him, America would continue to provide necessary assistance on matters of agriculture, health, education, diplomacy and good governance.

    He said: “We believe that the major challenge to Nigeria is to translate the region’s oil wells into improvement in the lives of every citizen.

    “We encourage Nigeria to work for goals to end violence and to establish conditions and mechanisms for a lasting change over time and provide economic opportunities for people.”

    On his part, Dickson commended the U.S for her encouragement and continued support for Nigeria and the Niger Delta.

     

  • U.S condemns Boko Haram attack in Niger

    The United States Government on Tuesday condemned Boko Haram’s June 3 attack on a military outpost in Bosso, Niger.

    The U.S government in a statement also sent its condolences to the families of the 30 Nigeriens and two Nigerian soldiers killed in the attack, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

    The government also conveyed its concern to the 67 individuals who were also injured in the attack.

    “The United States condemns in the strongest terms Boko Haram’s barbaric June 3 attack on a military outpost in Bosso, Niger.

    “We extend our deepest condolences to the families and friends of the 30 Nigeriens and two Nigerian soldiers killed in the attack and the 67 individuals who were injured.

    “This latest attack further underscores Boko Haram’s blatant disregard for the people of the Lake Chad Basin area,’’ the statement said.

    The statement restated the U.S government’s continued support for Niger, Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon’s efforts at fighting and defeating Boko Haram activities in their countries and in the region.

     

  • U.S. to contribute $421m to UNHCR

    U.S. to contribute $421m to UNHCR

    The U.S. Government says it is making an initial contribution of nearly $421 million of humanitarian assistance toward the 2016 global appeal for the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

     

    John Kirby, the Assistant Secretary and Department Spokesperson, Bureau of Public Affairs, said in a statement that was released in Washington on Friday.

     

    It said that the U.S. government contribution to UNHCR to nearly 698 million dollars to date in financial year 2016.

     

    It said that additional U.S. contributions in support of UNHCR’s invaluable work on behalf of refugees will be forthcoming over the course of this year.

     

    The statement said that the international community is currently witnessing a refugee crisis of global proportions.

     

    “As more than a million people made dangerous journeys across the sea into Europe this past year, millions more refugees in countries around the world continue to hope for a brighter future and a more promising path to a better life,’’ it said.

     

    It said the initial contribution made in 2016 was funded through the Department of State’s Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration, will support UNHCR efforts worldwide.

     

    The U.S. said this contribution would support the protection, local integration, and resettlement efforts of refugees from countries such as Afghanistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo.

     

    The U.S. humanitarian aid promised to also support the life-saving provision of water, shelter, food, healthcare, and education to millions of refugees.

     

    It said that the internally displaced persons, and other persons under UNHCR’s care and protection in countries such as Iraq, Yemen, Pakistan, Colombia, South Sudan and Kenya.

     

    It said that the nearly 421 million dollars was announced on Thursday was in addition to the 191 million dollars contribution to UNHCR for their Syria operations announced earlier this year by Secretary Kerry at the Supporting Syria and the Region Conference that was held in London.

     

    In Fiscal Year 2015, the US contributed more than 1.3 billion dollars to UNHCR to support continuing and emergency programs around the world. This included nearly 352 million dollars to UNHCR for the continuing role it plays in responding to the Syria crisis.

     

    “The world faces enormous challenges today, as millions of refugees seek the dignity and safety that can only be achieved through an unprecedented global response.

     

    “That is why the U.S. strongly encourages other governments to contribute to UNHCR’s 2016 Global appeal, which is currently only 25 per cent funded.

     

    “We salute the important work of UNHCR, the many NGOs with which it works, and countries hosting refugees around the world,” the statement said.

  • U.S to help Nigeria recover ‘ill-gotten wealth’

    U.S to help Nigeria recover ‘ill-gotten wealth’

    The United States government has agreed to assist Nigeria recover all identified “ill-gotten wealth” in countries in which they have jurisdiction, including the U.S itself.

    A statement issued on Tuesday by the President’s media aide, Garba Shehu, said America will also offer training to judicial staff and prosecutors “in order to place Nigeria in a good position to uncover proceeds of corruption and for improved prosecution of cases of crime.”

    According to the statement, details emerging from Monday’s meeting between President Muhammadu Buhari and the U.S Attorney-General, Loretta Lynch, on the subject of support for the war on corruption in Nigeria, indicated that the Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty signed between the two countries in 1985 and which came into effect in 2003 will be given some teeth.

    The statement said:

    “There will be collaboration. Each of the two countries will receive legal assistance from the other on criminal matters and that should cover the recovery of ill-gotten wealth. On extradition, we already have a treaty with U.S.  By virtue of being a former British colonial territory.

    “There is however the possibility that Nigeria might negotiate a new extradition treaty to meet our other requirements. The negotiation will be done under the auspices of a’re-energized’ U.S-Nigeria Bi-National Commission.”