Obama Supports Reforms In Nigeria
The
U.S. President, Barrack Obama says he is in support of the
ongoing reform by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to
strengthen democracy, improve the economy and restore peace and
security in Nigeria.
Obama expressed his support in Washington D.C. when he received
the letters of credence of Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S.,
Professor Ade Adefuye.
Obama, who said the prolonged absence of President Umaru Yar
Ádua had triggered much uncertainty in the country, said he was
confident of the present administration’s ability to restore
confidence in the polity.
He applauded Nigeria for taking steps to restore confidence in
the country’s political system while adhering to democratic
principles.
Obama said the United States was encouraged by Acting President
Jonathan’s public promises to strengthen democratic reforms,
improve the economic environment and address the ongoing
violence and impunity seen in the Niger Delta and Jos.
US Commitment
The U.S. President pledged his commitment to continue
collaborating with Nigeria in the fight against terrorism,
violent extremism and to improve the lives of all Nigeria’s
Citizens.
He said the fight against terrorism must be continued to make
West Africa a safe region, while ensuring peace and prosperity
for citizens in the area.
Obama noted that Nigeria had an important role as a regional and
global leader and lauded the country’s contribution to world
peacekeeping efforts.
The president said the upcoming launch of the U.S-Nigeria
Bi-national Commission illustrates the United States’ desire to
further enhance the relationship between the two countries.
The Terrorist Classification
Earlier while presenting his credentials, Adefuye highlighted
the December 25 incident, where a Nigerian was caught on a
Detroit- bound plane with a bomb. Adefuye said the event,
serious as it is, was a one-off incident and ought not to have
warranted the classification of Nigeria as a country of interest
in the fight against terrorism.
He conveyed Nigeria’s shock at the classification and stressed
the need to revisit the issue as soon as possible.
Adefuye pledged that Nigeria would continue to cooperate with
the U.S in the fight against terrorism, while sustaining ongoing
efforts at preventing terrorist networks within the ECOWAS
region.
The envoy also expressed Nigeria’s gratitude to the U.S. for its
continued support of the country’s democracy, especially now
that President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua is absent from office as a
result of ill-health.
NAN/Williams
