The Nation Newspaper

Tag: U.S

  • U.S.: upcoming polls critical test for Nigeria

    United States Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs Tibor P. Nagy Jr. was before the U.S. House of Representatives, Sub-Committee on Africa, Global Health, Global Human Rights, and International Organisations. His submission shows that the United States believes the general elections put Nigeria at a crossroads. Excerpts:

    Introduction

    The title of this hearing is “Nigeria at a Crossroads: The Upcoming Elections.” The Department of State agrees with the view that Nigeria’s February 2019 national elections are a critical test. The conduct of the elections could have significant consequences for the democratic trajectory of Nigeria, West Africa, and the entire continent.

    The conduct of the 2015 Nigerian elections, although by no means perfect, was a step forward for Nigeria’s democracy. That contest resulted in Nigeria’s first-ever democratic transfer of power to a non-incumbent party, thereby increasing capacity and improving conduct of Nigerian democratic institutions and election bodies.

    Key Goals and Actions

    In advance of the 2019 elections, the U.S. government continues to support the Nigerian goal of free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people. Through diplomacy, robust public engagement including with Nigeria’s youth and civil society, and democracy and governance programs, we are helping the country to strengthen its democratic institutions and processes. The United States does not support any single candidate. We support a democratic process that is free, fair, transparent, peaceful, and reflects the will of the Nigerian people.

    The U.S. government has developed a comprehensive election strategy to plan and coordinate our efforts. We have three main objectives:

    Support a free and fair electoral process, including technical assistance to Nigeria’s election institutions, civil society, and political parties as well as U.S. government monitoring of the election around the country; Prevent and mitigate electoral violence, including conflict monitoring, peacebuilding programs, and peace messaging; Support civic and political engagement, including support to Nigerian civil society election observation and parallel vote tabulation, social media campaigns to engage youth including through our Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), “get out the vote” campaigns, voter education, and Nigerian efforts to counter disinformation.

    To advance our strategy, we have sustained high-level diplomatic engagement from Washington as well as robust and regular engagement by our Ambassador, Consul General, USAID Mission Director, and other officials based in Abuja and Lagos. Earlier this year, President Trump welcomed President Buhari to the White House and conveyed our expectations for a credible election. Two Secretaries of State, USAID Administrator Green, Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan, and many others have either traveled to Nigeria or met with senior Nigerian officials in the United States to underscore our commitment to free, fair, transparent, and peaceful Nigerian elections in the last twelve months.

    The State Department also hosted the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman in late October to observe U.S. preparation for mid-term elections and discuss challenges surrounding Nigeria’s elections. During this visit, INEC Chairman Yakubu observed early voting in Maryland, and met with Congressional staff, U.S. electoral civil society and legal experts, and U.S. government officials. The Chairman also met with USAID Administrator Green and Under Secretary for Political Affairs Hale.

    I recently returned from Nigeria as part of my first trip to the continent. It was great to be back in Nigeria where I served as Charge d ‘Affairs in 2016 and Deputy Chief of Mission from 1993-1995, and convey our expectations and concerns for the elections in person. I met with leadership from the two main political parties, INEC Chairman Yakubu, and civil society organisations, delivering public messages on the elections in a speech and in press engagements and private messages with key stakeholders.

    That is just a summary of our Washington-focused diplomatic engagement on these elections. Our Ambassador and the Mission in Nigeria are working to advance our goals every day. My colleague from USAID will tell you more about the USAID programs in support of our three objectives. And, I can assure you that the U.S. government will remain intensely focused on the Nigerian elections in the coming months.

    Expectations and Concerns

    I know many of you are watching the election closely. We share many of the areas of concern that you have voiced. We are monitoring and messaging – both publicly and privately – to mitigate a few key areas of risk that could jeopardise a free and fair process. For example: potential attacks on the legitimacy of INEC and the electoral process for political gain; intimidation and partisanship by security forces; heightened insecurity, terrorist attacks on elections institutions, or violence towards voters, observers, or electoral officials; an inability of large numbers of internally displaced persons or persons with disabilities to vote; voter suppression, the use of armed gangs for voter intimidation, and other drivers of electoral violence, including a lack of official condemnation of hate speech and disinformation; wide-spread vote buying that challenges the integrity of the electoral process.

    On November 18, the start of official campaigning, our Mission in Abuja released a statement with 25 like-minded missions to express our desire to see free, fair, transparent, and peaceful elections, specifically naming many of these concerns. I can assure you we will be watching closely for instigators of violence or those attempting to undermine the democratic process.

    Many of you have expressed particular concern about violence around these elections. I can tell you from my impressions during my travels and my previous service in Nigeria that I fear there will be some violence around these elections, as has been the case with previous elections. I do not anticipate large-scale nation-wide conflict, but rather localised violence. We are already seeing increased tensions and polarisation as the election approaches. We assess that politicians are turning to narratives of identity politics in an attempt to improve their popularity, with potentially serious consequences for national unity. However, Nigeria’s political system and society have weathered such tensions before.

    But, let me underscore that the U.S. government takes the risk of any loss of human life extremely seriously. As I just mentioned, preventing electoral violence is one of our three main objectives for our diplomacy and programs. When I was in Nigeria, I asked officials from both major parties to sign pledges that their candidates would conduct peaceful campaigns, and both major candidates have now signed a peace pledge. In assessing potential “hot spots” for violence, we look at places that are historically volatile around elections such as Rivers and Borno states. We look at states that are currently tense, especially if state-level politics are contentious like those in Benue, Plateau, as well as those in high-stakes locations with large populations such as Kano. We regularly engage with civil society organizations working in these “hotspots” and support their peacebuilding efforts. USAID programs and our public diplomacy campaigns also support peace campaigns across the country, such as #VoteNotFight. Through our YALI Network Nigeria campaign, Nigerians have made over 10,000 pledges to boost voter participation, reject violence, and vote with integrity.

    Conclusion

    As I said in a speech in Nigeria, only the Nigerian people can determine lasting solutions and a path forward toward peace and stability. 2019 will be a significant year for Nigerian democracy – it has been 20 years since the country returned to democratic rule and this election’s youngest voters have never known a Nigeria without democracy. The upcoming elections provide Nigerians an opportunity to shape their country and solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.

  • U.S. advises Fed Govt on economic diversification

    UNITED States (U.S.) Ambassador to Nigeria Stuart Symington has advised Nigeria to diversify its economy toward pursuing deeper growth and development.

    Symington gave the advice at the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce (NACC) Annual Dinner and Inauguration of Otunba Oluwatoyin Akomolafe as NACC’s 18th President in Lagos.

    Symington, in a statement yesterday by Ebuka Ugochukwu, the Communication Manager, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce said that the Federal Government should reduce its dependence on crude oil.

    He said: “Let us make the Nigerian brand what God has made it which is the green and white. There is need to diversify the economy in order to pursue development and a better future.

    “The entire world is getting old while Africa and Nigeria is getting younger, because they are growing six times faster over the next three years, faster than even India or China. The question about this growth being a blessing or a curse, is dependent on us as a country.”

    According to him, Nigeria has the opportunity to leverage the very best of U.S-Nigeria relationship, joined together by ties of blood, education, investment and other factors to unite it.

    The envoy said: “We all have a secret opportunity to do well alone and to do good together.

    “Nigeria is a land of the free and the home of the brave. Changing the world and making it a better place is a task left for us all to do.”

    A former Chairman of Nestle Foods Nigeria, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, said that Nigeria has to unearth the golden opportunities for economic growth and development with agriculture and ICT which were viable alternatives to crude oil export.

  • Nigeria lauds international support on Boko Haram

    Nigeria has lauded the international support to the country and neighbouring countries in addressing the challenges caused by the Boko Haram terrorists and the shrinking of the Lake Chad.

    Nigeria’s Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande, stated this in New York at the ‘Security Council Open Debate on the Role of States, Regional Arrangements and the United Nations in the Prevention and Resolution of Conflict.

    Bande said “As we all know, the Lake Chad region has been facing its worst crisis ever, primarily because of the impact of climate change.

    “However, the ability of the Lake Chad basin countries to obtain international support and attention is paying off.

    “An array of countries – Norway, Germany, UK, U. S., China, Canada and others – have joined the UN to provide financial and technical support to the on-going efforts to not only conquer Boko Haram, but also work at the same time across the whole pillars, as the only way forward.

    “Indeed, so successful has this been, since the visit by the Security Council in March 2017, and the various pledging conferences – Abuja, Oslo and Berlin – that we are even talking of recharging of the basin, to restore and or stabilise the livelihood of some 45 million people affected by this unfortunate situation.

    “Through it all, ECOWAS, AU and the UN have been working very well together to galvanise support, towards the same end”.

    Bande pledged Nigeria’s resolve to continue to support efforts at maintaining peace and security in all regions of the world.

    According to him, more than ever, there is the need to strengthen collaboration between the UN and the various regional and sub-regional organizations around the world.

    The need to ensure that effective and mutually reinforcing mechanisms (both regional and global) that are flexible and responsive enough to ensure peaceful coexistence among communities are prioritized, he said, were critical.

    Bande said it was imperative to ensure that a means of financing regional bodies-led peace support operations that were authorized by the Security Council would be predictably and sustainably worked out.

    “We owe this to the millions that suffer and are waiting for our help.

    “In this regard, I wish to commend the Secretary-General on the current AU-UN partnership on peacekeeping, as this is a right step in the right direction,” he said.

    The envoy said in the effort to prevent and resolve conflicts, there is the need to also take due cognizance of the structural challenges to peace and security.

    These challenges, like climate change, mismanagement of natural resources, cross border and international crime, are at the root of some of the worst conflicts of our time, he said.

    The Nigerian envoy added that the challenges are best tackled through a broad collaboration among States, sub-regional and regional organisations and the UN.

    NAN reports that the UN says nine years into the conflict, the humanitarian emergency in the Lake Chad region is among the most severe in the world.

    The world body says while the crisis is unfolding in a region already affected by severe underdevelopment, poverty and climate change.

    The impact on the lives of around 17 million people is devastating, with women, youth and children bearing the brunt.

    In 2018, more than 10 million people require humanitarian assistance and protection.

    The humanitarian response was expanded significantly in 2017, reaching over six million people with life-saving assistance and protection, and effectively averting a famine.

    But needs in the affected regions remain acute and will persist at large scale into 2019 and beyond. Humanitarian organisations are requesting 1.6 billion dollars for 2018.

    Support from the international community to national efforts will be essential in the coming months to ease hunger, provide water, shelter, hygiene, healthcare, protection and education, and help communities rebuild their lives and livelihoods.

    The UN also said without continued assistance, hard hit communities risk sliding back into distress.

  • U.S varsity honours businessman

    The Trinity International University of Ambassadors, Atlanta Georgia, United States of America, has conferred a honourary doctorate on the Chief Executive Officer of Homeland Integrated Offshore Services Limited, Dr. Louis Ekere.

    The award is conferred on individuals deemed worthy, and who have great experience, knowledge and impact in doing great work at home and abroad.

    The conferment came on the heels of his recent graduation from the prestigious Harvard Business School.

    Dr. Ekere is an alumnus of the IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain and the Lagos Business School. He was recently awarded the Certificate of Merit by the US Coast Guard, Department of Homeland Security, United States of America (USA).

    In his resolve to ensure Nigerians across every spectrum enjoy quality healthcare services, Dr Ekere recently opened the multi-billion naira WellMed Healthcare Ltd.

    It is an indigenous healthcare company in Lagos that offers one-stop diagnostic solution services with state-of-the-art medical equipment, including 1.5 Tesla MRI, 64-slice CT Scan, 4D Ultrasonography, fully digital X-ray, 3D Echocardiography, Resting and Exercise ECG and fully automated pathology laboratory with a menu of over 3,000 tests.

    He is also involved in several philanthropic activities, the recent being the free medical testing on world Hepatitis Day, free medical outreach at Ajah, Lagos, and environs, where residents were screened for chronic lifestyle diseases including diabetes, hypertension and obesity.

    He has offered free high-end radiologic and pathology investigations including MRI and CT scan, hitherto unaffordable, to indigent patients of public hospitals including Massey Street Children’s Hospital, General Hospital, Lagos and Epe General Hospital.

  • U.S. earns $42.4 billion from foreign students in 2017

    •International students in U.S hit 1.09 million

    THE United States (U.S.) earned $42.4 billion from foreign students in 2017, it was learnt yesterday.

    The earning, according to a latest report, was from tuition fees, rooms and boarding and other expenses.

    Besides, U.S also recorded increase in number of foreign students as it hit 1,094,792.

    It, however, observed a decrease in the number of new student enrolment.

    A statement issued by the U.S Embassy, Abuja, which quoted the 2018 Open Doors Report on International Educational Exchange, also stated that the numbers of U.S. students, studying abroad grew by 2.3 per cent to 332,727.

    The statement reads: “The United States remains the top host of international students globally. International students made a significant financial impact on the United States in 2017, contributing $42.4 billion to the U.S. economy through tuition, room and board, and other expenses, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    “As for U.S. students studying abroad numbers grew by 2.3 per cent to 332,727 Americans in 2016/17. Approximately one in 10 U.S. students studies abroad during their undergraduate career.

    “In addition, Open Doors 2018 shows that the profile of U.S. students going abroad continues to diversify. The number of students, who identify as racial or ethnic minorities who studied abroad in 2016/2017 was 29.2 per cent. In 2005/06, racial and ethnic minorities accounted for only 17 per cent of the study abroad population.

    “While overall numbers of international students increased, new student enrolments fell by 6.6 per cent in 2017/18, corroborating findings from the 2017 fall enrolment survey and continuing a slowing or downward trend first observed in the 2015/16 academic year.”

     

  • U.S. sure of credible elections in 2019

    THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is capable of conducting a free, fair and credible election in 2019, United States Assistant Secretary for African Affairs Ambassador Tibor Nagy has said.

    Nagy, who is on a visit to the country, noted that the task before the commission was very difficult, but he was positive that the Prof. Mahmood Yakubu-led INEC would do a job in the 2019 general polls.

    The visiting Assistant Secretary for African Affairs said: “Nigeria has been an example of a model of the kind of democratic processes, which would be wonderful to have throughout the African continent.

    “Not only is Nigeria the largest African country and economy in Africa, but the last election in 2015 was an absolute positive example on how an election should be conducted and so much of the credit goes to the commission for their phenomenal positive and very objective work in managing those elections.

    “So, we have every confidence that the commission would be up to the task, which we all know is a very difficult task, given the enormity of the process. So, we are very encouraged by what we heard today.”

    Responding to questions from reporters regarding U.S. interest in the 2019 election, Nagy emphasised that the U.S. does not have any candidate in the 2019 election.

    “We don’t care who wins but the process,” he said.

    He said while Nigerians have absolute right to choose their leaders, the process through which such leaders emerged must be transparent, free and fair to all.

    The envoy, therefore, urged politicians and security agencies to shun activities capable of discrediting the outcome of the 2019 election.

    “Regarding the plans for the February elections, we will remain very interested and we were very honoured to be able to host the chairman in the U.S. recently to be able to observe the preparations for our own elections.

    “We understand all of the complexities and we want to specially urge all the parties concerned to please urge all of their followers to be non-violent and also to urge all of the organs of state security, especially to remain neutral in this process because the neutrality of the state is absolutely essential,” he stated.

    U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria Stuart Symington posited: “Election is not all about election day, but all the processes leading to the election.”

    Symington, therefore, urged Nigerian voters to avail themselves the opportunity provided by the recent display of the voters’ register to screen the lists.

    On his part, INEC Chairman assured that the commission would not disappoint the international community as it has put in place machinery to protect the integrity of the process.

    Yakubu said: “We want to make 2019 a further affirmation of the maturity of the Nigerian democracy and we are committed to these processes.”

    He pledged the resolve of his team to focus on the processes and not parties or actors.

    He added: “We will do our best to ensure that we maintain the credibility of the process and I want to assure you that we will not let the international community down.”

     

  • Mid-term elections: U.S. warns Russia, China, Iran to stay off

    The U.S. has warned against foreign interference in its mid-term elections, particularly from Russia, China and Iran.

    All the 435 House of Representatives seats, representing the 50 states are up for grabs in the election, holding on Tuesday.

    Thirty five of the 100 senate seats are being contested and gubernatorial elections are to be held in 36 states.

    “The United States will not tolerate foreign interference in our elections from Russia, China, Iran or other nations,” U.S. law enforcement agencies warned.

    The agencies are the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of the Director of National Intelligence (DNI) and the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) – in coordination with federal, state, local and private sector partners nationwide.

    In a joint statement, DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, DNI Director Dan Coats, and FBI Director Christopher Wray said they were continuing efforts to protect the elections.

    “Our agencies have been working in unprecedented ways to combat influence efforts and to support state and local officials in securing our elections, including efforts to harden election infrastructure against interference.

    “Our goal is clear: ensure every vote is counted and counted correctly.

    “At this time we have no indication of compromise of our nation’s election infrastructure that would prevent voting, change vote counts or disrupt the ability to tally votes.

    “But Americans should be aware that foreign actors – and Russia in particular – continue to try to influence public sentiment and voter perceptions through actions intended to sow discord.

    “They can do this by spreading false information about political processes and candidates, lying about their own interference activities, disseminating propaganda on social media and through other tactics,” the agencies said.

    They, however, said the American public could mitigate these efforts by remaining informed, reporting suspicious activity and being vigilant consumers of information.

    The agencies said actions that interfered in the elections were a threat to U.S. democracy and identifying and preventing this interference was one of our highest priorities.

    “On Sept. 12, President Trump signed an executive order that makes clear the U.S. government will not hesitate to defend our electoral processes or punish those who attempt to undermine them.”

    “Our agencies have been making preparations for nearly two years in advance of these elections and are closely engaged with officials on the ground to help them ensure the voting process is secure.

    “Americans can rest assured that we will continue to stay focused on this mission long after polls have closed,” the agencies said.

    NAN

     

  • U.S. reiterates commitment to strengthening media, democracy in Nigeria

    THE United States (U.S.) Consulate in Lagos has reiterated its commitment to strengthening democracy and democratic institutions in nigeria.

    Public Affairs Officer (PAO) of the Consulate Russell Brooks stated this at the opening of a three-day intensive workshop on defence and national security reporting organised for reporters.

    Emphasising the need for reporters to fully understand the beat, Brooks said their knowledge of issues and better analysis of situation would help the masses articulate properly.

    About 25 reporters nominated from credible media outlets have since Sunday evening, been camped at the training venue in Ikeja GRA.

    According to Brooks, the workshop was the consulate’s way of assisting reporters to enhance their skills so that they would in turn contribute their parts to ensure transparency of the military, an important institution.

    He said: “The public deserves to understand these issues better so they can be assured that the government is perfectly serving them just as we do in the U.S.

    “We thought as our contribution to media trainings, that it will be good if we can focus one of those trainings on this particular area.

    “One of the important principles of the U.S. Mission in Nigeria is to support democracy, to strengthen democratic institutions in Nigeria.

    “Some people belief democracy only involves supporting elections, and those institutions that are involved with elections. Actually, supporting democracy requires more than just the conduct of elections, it also involves good governance in security. You are to ensure they are properly accountable to the public.

    “Also, national security requires a press that is knowledgeable about these issues. At times, it is difficult for civilians to properly understand military culture.

    “One of the things we can do is to help them do their job better and understand that culture. We will hope that all those who participate will have to fix their own understanding about military and be out to report more effectively.”

    In an aside interview with reporters, former Director, Defence Information (DDI) Maj.-Gen. Chris Olukolade said the military has greatly improved with regards to relating with the media.

    Olukolade, a co-facilitator at the training with founder, U.S. Military Reporters and Editors Association, Otto Kreisher, said there was need for more interactions between the military and the media.

     

  • Russia, U.S trade blames over rising oil prices

    • Oil price close to $90

    Russian President, Vladimir Putin has accused his U.S counterpart, President Donald Trump of driving up the prices of oil.

    Putin said Trump was “right” to complain that global oil prices are too high, but added that the U.S was to blame for higher prices.

    “President Trump has said he thinks the oil price is too high. Well, probably to some extent he’s right, but we are absolutely okay with it at $65 to $75 per barrel to ensure the efficient operation of oil companies and ensure investment,” Putin said yesterday during an address to delegates at the Russia Energy Week forum in Moscow.

    “But let’s be frank, such oil prices are to some extent the result of the U.S. administration. I’m talking about sanctions against Iran, about political problems in Venezuela and just looking at what’s happening in Libya.

    “If we touched upon the topic we are discussing now with him (Trump), I would say, if you want to find the culprit of who’s guilty that prices are growing, then you should just have a look in the mirror,” he said.

    Putin’s comments came after Trump criticised Russia and the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries   (OPEC) for a 2016 deal in which they agreed to curb oil output in a bid to support prices that had slumped in mid-2014 due to a glut in global supply.

    The deal has worked and oil prices rose. The deal, and subsequent price rise, has drawn criticism from Trump, who said OPEC, Saudi Arabia and Russia are keeping prices high and called on them to increase production and thereby bring down oil prices.

    Trump’s criticism of the major oil producers, ignores the fact that his own decision to implement sanctions on OPEC members, Iran and Venezuela has also put pressure on oil prices, with markets fearing a shortfall in global supply.

    Saudi Arabia and Russia have said they could fill any shortfall created by Iran when sanctions go into effect on November 4 (today). The group of OPEC and non-OPEC producers already agreed back in June to ease production limits in order to take some pressure off prices.

    Putin defended the deal with OPEC, saying the aim was to balance markets.

    “As for the reduction of production and keeping it quite low, this is just a tool, this is not our goal. Our goal is to balance the market, when we along with our colleagues from OPEC agreed to cut production this is what we talked about, cutting excessive stocks… This is not about the income of oil companies,.

    “If the market is not balanced, there is a situation which leads to reduced investment and finally this will create a deficit on the market and prices will leap,” Putin said.

    Meanwhile, oil traded above $85 a barrel yesterday, supported by expectations that U.S. sanctions on Iran will tighten supply and strain the ability of Saudi Arabia and other producers to pump more.

    Crude exports from Iran, OPEC’s third-largest producer, are already falling as the U.S. sanctions kicking in on November. 4 (today), deter buyers.

    The drop in exports is reducing the impact of an OPEC production increase agreed in June. Brent crude, the global benchmark, was up 38 cents at $85.18  a barrel .U.S. crude was up 24 cents at $75.47.

    With Iranian exports expected to fall further, analysts said there may not be enough spare production capacity in the short term to meet demand, potentially requiring large withdrawals from storage.

    The Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries, plus allies, including Russia, have been limiting supply since 2017 to get rid of a glut.

    They partially relaxed the cut in June, under pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump to cool prices.

    OPEC has so far ruled out any further production increase, beyond delivering the boost agreed in June, in spite of prices rallying further and more pressure from Trump.

    Russia’s Energy Minister, Alexander Novak, said on yesterday that the market had more or less stabilised, but many uncertainties remain, including the sanctions on Iran and could push prices higher.

    U.S. crude inventories rose by 907,000 barrels in the week to September 28 to 400.9 million, the American Petroleum Institute said on Tuesday, ahead of yesterday’s official supply report

  • Nigeria is a leader, friend, key partner, says U.S.

    The United States (U.S.) has described Nigeria as an indisputable leader in Africa, a friend and a key partner of the U.S.

    In a statement by Secretary of State Michael Pompeo on the occasion of Nigeria’s National Day, the U.S. government congratulated Nigeria and its people on the nation’s independence anniversary.

    Pompeo said: “I would like to convey warm wishes to the government and people of Nigeria on the 58th anniversary of your independence. Nigeria remains a key partner and friend of the United States.

    “Through its strengthening democracy, its dynamic economy and the great entrepreneurial spirit of its people, Nigeria is a leader in the region and beyond.

    “We count on Nigeria to continue its leadership through free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections in 2019.

    “The United States offers our continuous support to Nigeria in its efforts to expand trade and investment, counter-terrorism, ensure regional stability and tackle corruption.

    “As you celebrate the anniversary of your independence, please know that the people of the United States celebrate with you.”