The Presidency has announced state governments will start benefiting from the special intervention fund of between N250B to N300B in a matter of weeks. This is part of a three-pronged financial intervention of President Muhammadu Buhari to assuage workers plight and support the states is now in progress. According a statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the Vice President on media and Publicity, Laolu Akande planning meetings are being currently held between members of the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) and the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), on the one hand, and also between CBN and commercial banks on the other hand, regarding details of the special intervention fund and the debt relief program of the President for the states. Such meetings, the statement added, are reviewing loan profiles of the states, issues around restructuring of existing loans including time span, and reconciling the figures. “Already, it has been agreed that existing state loans be restructured for 20 years, and regarding the bond option, the rates to be applied would be market-based but with a cap to make it affordable. Within weeks from now, the states are expected to start benefiting from this two other parts of the presidential intervention.” The statement recalled that the details of the presidential intervention are in three parts as follows: “The sharing of about $2.1B in fresh allocation between the states and the federal government. The money was sourced from recent LNG proceeds to the federation account, and its release okayed by the president. “A Central Bank-packaged special intervention fund to the tune of about N250B to N300B that will offer financing to the states. This would be a soft loan available to states. “A debt relief program by the Central Bank of Nigeria and Debt Management Office, DMO, which will help states convert their commercial bank loans into bonds, and restructuring such loans by extending their life span thereby reducing the debt-servicing expenditures of the states.” It said that by extending the commercial loans of the states, the third part of the presidential intervention would therefore make available more funds to the state governments which otherwise would have been removed at source by the banks. It said that to offer this option to the states, President Muhammadu Buhari has brought the financial muscle of the federal government to bear on behalf of the states guaranteeing the elongation of the loans. “Besides, the availability of the $2.1B from LNG which has now been shared to the states was made possible because President Buhari set a new fiscal standard and tone that all monies generated should go to the federation accounts. Before that constitutional standard was upheld by the president, LNG dividends were going to other NNPC designated accounts. “None of the three parts of this intervention would have been possible without the creativity and approval of President Buhari. It should be noted that the backlog of the salaries in some of the states went back several months before the president took office. “To date, the states have now drawn from the LNG taxes and dividends totaling $2.1B, besides a second sharing from the federation account-ie the regular monthly allocations-a sum of over N518 Billion last week. “Finally states have been advised during NEC meetings to take certain steps to avoid a similar financial crisis in the future. These include: “Making the payment of salaries, a first-line charge. Do more to increase their internally generated revenue. Clean-up their payroll to eliminate ghost workers. Have a fully-functional Debt Management Offices.” [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to correct the neglect of research, science and technology by past governments, insisting that no country can make progress without serious commitment to the development of science and technology. Speaking today after receiving a briefing on the activities of the Ministry of Science and Technology, President Buhari made it clear that his administration will dedicate more resources and energy to the sector. The President said that he will fully encourage the work of the Ministry of Science and Technology because innovations from the various research institutes under its supervision could also impact positively on industrial development and manufacturing in Nigeria. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita had enumerated several challenges hindering its effectiveness, including perennial poor funding and the lack of recognition on the part of successive governments of science and technological innovation as a major driver of economic development. Mrs. Oyo-Ita told the President that the focus of the Ministry had moved from academic research to market-based innovative research aimed at boosting industrialization. She asked for more support and political will from the Federal Government to encourage scientific research, innovation and local manufacturing. Also today, President Buhari received the outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Andrew Pocock and the outgoing Swiss Ambassador, Mr. Hans-Rudolf Hodel. The President thanked both envoys for their efforts to strengthen relations between Nigeria and their respective countries and wished them success in their future assignments. The former Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, Sir Shridath Ramphal, who is in Nigeria on a visit, also paid a courtesy call on President Buhari. [myad]
Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro has formally taken over from Barrister Calistus Nwabueze Obi as the Acting Director General/Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA). The handover ceremony took place in the Agency today. Obi asked staff of the Agency to support Mr. Haruna Baba Jauro even as he assured that the excellent working relationship between him and the new Acting DG would continue in order to lift the Agency to greater heights. Responding, Mr. Haruna Jauro expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari for the opportunity to serve the nation in his new capacity. He thanked staff of NIMASA for their commitment to duty and craved the cooperation of all for the realization of the mandate of the Agency. “I want to thank all staff of NIMASA for the commitment to the objectives of this Agency and crave your cooperation so that together we can actualize the objectives for which the Agency was set up.” The Acting DG who until his appointment was the Executive Director Finance and Administration in the Agency, is expected to be in charge until a substantive Director General is appointed. [myad]
Sacked Super Eagles coach, Stephen Keshi may have dragged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to court, demanding a compensation of a billion Naira (more than $400 million).
Last week, it was reported that Keshi had dragged the NFF to court for “wrongful dismissal and defamation”.
A top source told said “Keshi’s lawyers have demanded for a billion Naira from the NFF as compensation for defaming their client.”
The letter from the Kaduna-based law firm was received by the NFF on Friday.
Keshi was sacked by the NFF on July 5 after the NFF disciplinary committee investigated various allegations against him.
This was four months after the 53-year-old coach signed a new two-year contract after his initial three-year deal with the NFF ran out at last year’s World Cup in Brazil. [myad]
Eight pupils, who were returning from a primary school in Ikot Abia-Enyie in Nsit Atai Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State recently, were reported to have drowned in Atang river. The river is said to have partitioned Ikot Abia-Enyie village into two; with all the facilities in the area – a health centre, a primary and a secondary school, located at the other side of the river. The chairman of the village council, Chief Etop Umanah, who conducted newsmen round the area, said the pupils drowned in the water following the downpour which led to the river overflowing its banks. He said that it was the custom of the village to wait for the pupils and women at the bank of the river during the schools’ closing hours whenever there was a downpour. He said that it was unfortunate that before the men from the village could get to the river to rescue the pupils, the water had already carried them away, adding that their corpses were recovered three days after. He said that in the preceding year, three pupils and a pregnant woman died in the same river, and that as the pupils tried to come back from school, the pregnant woman was trying to make her way back from the health centre. “This village, Abia-Enyie, lost eight children to Atang River this year as they were returning from school following a downpour which aided the river to overflow its bank. Last year, we lost three pupils and a pregnant woman in the same manner. “The village is one village; it is split by this river. All the facilities of this village – a health centre, a primary and a secondary school – are all sited at the other side of the river. We cannot stop the children from going to school,” he said. The state commissioner for Rural Development, Mr. Ekong Sampson, told journalists that the Akwa Ibom State Government is ready to end not only the pupils’ death, but all the deaths associated with Atang River. Sampson assured the people that the government would embark on remedial measures to end the carnage before work on the bridge would start. [myad]
Nigeria Army has described as a lie, comments credited to Borno State Deputy Governor, Zannah Mustapha, in the media that five Local Government Areas in Borno and Yobe states were still under the control of Boko Haram. The Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, who spoke to journalists in Abuja at the weekend said that troops of the Nigerian Army have liberated Dikwa Local Government area of Borno state and its neighbouring villages, which he said was one of the strongholds of Boko Haram terrorists. During the encounter, he said, 20 terrorists were killed while several others were injured. The Army Spokesman, who gave further details on the operation, said: “The troops recovered five vehicles heavily laden with Improvised Explosives Devices (IEDs) about to be unleashed, four motorcycles, one Toyota Hilux mounted with Anti-Aircraft Guns, one Anti-Aircraft Gun and one General Purpose Machine Gun.” The Army Spokesman said: “The attention of Nigerian Army has been drawn to a publication in ThisDay Newspaper of Saturday 25th July 2015 quoting Borno State Deputy Governor saying that some LGAs in Borno and Yobe states were still under Boko Haram terrorists. “The Army wishes to acknowledge that Boko Haram terrorists have been occupying some portions of Gamboru Ngala, Kala Balge, Guzamala and Dikwa LGAs of Borno State. In Yobe State Gujba LGA HQ had long been deserted. “However, due to recent concerted efforts, roads and towns hitherto being held by Boko Haram terrorists and laced with mines such as Biu-Buni Yadi-Damaturu and Biu-Sabon Gari-Damboa roads were liberated and cleared of mines and made safe for public usage. “Additionally, with the support of Nigerian Air Force, I am glad to inform you that our gallants troops yesterday liberated Dikwa LGA. During the battle, troops of 7 Division Nigerian Army destroyed one of the terrorists’ camp at Faljari village along Dikwa-Maiduguri road, Borno State. “There is no doubt that the village has been the terrorists logistics base. The Nigerian Army wishes to state further that it would not rest on its oars until all portions of Nigerian soil is reclaimed and made safe from the terrorists.” [myad]
Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said that contrary to insinuations in many quarters, no state has received any amount from the Federal Government as bailout fund. He spoke yesterday at a reception for the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Solomon Arase in Sabongida Ora, Owan West Local Government Area of Edo state. According to the Governor, the cheering news, however, is that President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to seeing an end to the situation where up to fifteen states owe workers’ salaries. “There is some conversation going on between the Federal Government and the Governors and the president has been extremely positive in recognizing that he does not want to preside over a country whose workers are not paid. “At the end of the day, it is not acceptable where fourteen to fifteen states cannot pay salaries. The good news is that the president is standing by us and there is always a time lag between when you conceptualize and when you implement. “For now, no government has got one naira under the bailout arrangement.” On the Inspector-General of Police who was holding a thanksgiving on his elevation, the Governor said: “the celebrant is not just a man of history, there are many people who could become the I-G, by political connection, but I think he has a very unique ability. “I also believe that your present elevation is a demonstration of the way you have sought to manage your office , deal with the challenges of the police force without being partisan, This is a difficult position to maintain. As an Edo man, you represent the finest tradition with courage, determination and intellect to your job no matter whose ox is gored,” he said. Oshiomhole continued “I think at this time, the I-G would need all the prayers, support and encouragement particularly of Edo people. Let it not be said that the task of policing was made more difficult by the people of the state. And he is serving under a president who will not tolerate indiscipline. He is an I-G to drive changes in the psyche and governance of our great nation, “It is a thing of pride to our people that coming from a minority, he has risen to become the I-G of the police. But we also recognize that he is coming to office at a very challenging time. This is the time we need such people with security of mind and competence to drive the changes which president Buhari has promised the people by ensuring that the police play their part of providing security to the people. In an address of welcome, Chairman of the occasion, Prof. Ehimika Ifidon said in celebrating the I-G, the Ora people of Edo State are also celebrating other sons and daughters who have made tremendous achievements in various areas. Responding, the Inspector General of Police, Mr Solomon Arase said he felt elated to receive the honour being bestowed on him with joy. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered a thorough investigation into the chlorine gas explosion in Jos, Plateau State at the weekend, in which many people were killed and more injured. In a message commiserating with the families of the victims and to the government and people of Plateau state over the incident, President Buhari said that an investigation into the incident was necessary to avoid recurrence. “The investigation should unravel the facts as to whether this was just an accident. Whatever is the case, we need to get to the bottom this unfortunate and tragic incident,” the President said. President Buhari prayed to Allah to grant the souls of those who lost their lives in the explosion peaceful repose and a quick recovery to those who were injured in the terrible tragedy. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari has sought the cooperation of and partnership with journalists for the purpose of ending the scourge of Boko Haram, improving national security, rebuilding and expanding national infrastructure as well as accelerating the pace of economic development across the country and creating more employment opportunities for Nigerian youth. In a congratulatory message today, to the newly elected Present of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Mr. Abdulwaheed Odusile of the Nation Newspapers, President Buhari assured the new NUJ President and his executive officers of the fullest support and cooperation of the Federal Government as they move to reposition and revitalize the journalism profession in Nigeria for present and future challenges, including the revolutionary impact of new technologies on communications and information dissemination. The President further assured the new NUJ President and all journalists in Nigeria that his administration will consistently uphold their right to perform their constitutionally assigned role in society without hindrance. He looks forward to working in a harmonious partnership with Odusile, the new NUJ executive and media practitioners in Nigeria even as he expressed confidence that with his worthy credentials, long experience and antecedents as a highly respected and reputable professional, Odusile can be expected to discharge his new responsibility of leading the NUJ to greater heights of accomplishment with distinction. President Buhari wished Odusile and other newly-elected executive officers a very successful tenure in the service of their profession and country. [myad]
It was an official visit that attracted not only national, but also international attention. President Muhammadu Buhari was going to visit the United States of America for four days, on the invitation of President Barack Obama.
Was this going to be just another jamboree, or truly an event that would reset the buttons in the relationship between the two countries?
Sure, there had been some cooling of passion between the two erstwhile allies during the dying days of the Jonathan administration, and American experts sent here to train our military had even been asked to leave. She had also refused to sell us Cobra helicopters and other armaments, which could have made a lot of difference in our fight against insurgents in the North-east of the country. America had cited some reasons, including alleged human rights violations. The then President Jonathan was thus forced to look towards South Africa for arms.
No doubt, the kiln of passion needed to be kindled anew between Nigeria and America, and the invitation extended to Buhari during the G7 Summit in Germany, in June, was a much needed elixir. The Nigerian leader accepted the offer, and so was in Washington between Sunday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 22. But another whiff of controversy had presaged the meeting. America, through its Supreme Court, had recently legitimized same sex relationship. It was against the laws of God, but heck, what did America care? What matters now are rights, and people with homosexual or lesbian cravings must have their rights protected under the law.
It was into the eye of this storm that some Nigerians felt Buhari would be flying, on his trip. True, he had been asked to bring a ‘wish list’ by his host, but is there ever free lunch in America? Yes, your wish would be granted.
America would help you decapitate Boko Haram, would help you trace and repatriate billions of dollars salted away in foreign banks by past rulers, would help boost your economy and generate employment, but at what price? At a price of endorsing same sex marriage, which would be contrary to our laws as a country, and to the laws of the God that majority of Nigerians believe in, and serve? Would Buhari capitulate simply because America would help him fulfill promises he made during election campaigns?
To America we flew last Sunday, arriving after a voyage of 12 hours. Our President was accommodated along with some members of the entourage at the historic Blair House, just a peeping distance from the White House. A good number of meetings were to hold at that Blair House in the next four days.
After a briefing of what was to come in the next four days by Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, the President played host to former American Ambassador in Nigeria, Thomas Pickering and Professor Jean Herskovits. The man who has been quite outspoken about Nigeria, and who had doubted if the country would survive the 2015 general elections, Ambassador John Campbell, also came, among other people.
The day was not done until Madeline Albright (remember her? A large number of people across the world were mad about Madeline years back when she was American Secretary of State. She did the work admirably). Well, Madeline came to dinner with our President. She has aged, but rather gracefully.
Day 2 was the day the world had been waiting for. Day of meeting with the world’s most influential president, Barak Obama. But not so fast! First, breakfast with Vice President Joe Biden. What did he tell our President?
Biden gave an overview of the objectives of the entire visit,assuring Nigeria of the goodwill and support of America. He shared perspectives on the terror war, drawing from America’s experiences after the September 2001 assault, in which thousands were killed by Al-Qaeda inspired terrorists. He said Boko Haram, which has now pledged loyalty to ISIS, should not be battled with just military option. There was also the need to combine the war with strong socio-economic programs. He said the U.S would be ready to work with Nigeria in that direction.
On the Nigerian economy, Biden bade the leadership to tackle the issue of corruption, strengthen the institutions, and appoint tested hands to man critical sectors. If all these were done, he assured that investors would flood Nigeria in droves.
Buhari thanked his host, and added that the role played by America prior to general elections, sending Secretary of State John Kerry to convey that America would not tolerate the subversion of the people’s will, went a long way to guarantee fairness and justice.
Having served as Minister for Petroleum Resources for over three years in the 1970s, the President did not forget to mention the oil sector. He said between 10 to 20 billion dollars may have been lost to oil theft in the past one year, and pledged to sanitize the sector. He welcomed American assistance.
The much awaited meeting with Obama came up a while later at the White House. The US President described Buhari as a man of integrity needed for such a time as this in Nigeria.
Every patriotic Nigerian must have stood several feet taller, as Obama eulogized our President. It served to rekindle confidence in our country. With the right leadership, Nigeria can, and will get there. Sure.
The American president charted the same course as his deputy on the issue of Boko Haram. According to him, economic and social programs must run concurrently with military option, to conclusively defeat insurgency.
Obama said the diversity of Nigeria, rather than be a centrifugal force, must be a centripetal one. The disparate parts of the country should be harnessed to become source of strength, adding that no part of the country should be left behind, or alienated.
Buhari, the American president observed, was hugely popular, judging by the enormous goodwill that surrounded his election. He urged him to use the goodwill to serve Nigeria, alongside the governors that accompanied him. The governors are Rochas Okorocha, Imo, Adams Oshiomhole, Edo, Tanko Al-Makura, Nasarawa, Kashim Shettima, Borno, and Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo. Speaking on behalf of the governors, Okorocha assured Obama that the states’ helmsmen would back up Buhari to bring enduring change to Nigeria.
Obama made pledges. America would help Nigeria in diverse ways: checkmate insurgency, train and equip her military, recover monies siphoned out of federal coffers, and many others. And with no strings attached.
The bilateral meetings/ audiences with the Nigerian president at Blair House, and other venues, were worth their weight in gold. The American Secretary of Commerce met with the Nigerian team, so did Loretta Lynch, U.S Attorney General, Jack Lew, Secretary of the Treasury, the Barker Group, potential investors in the agriculture and power sectors. There was an interactive dinner hosted by U.S Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa, and captains of industry from Nigeria and America were there, among others.
What of the meeting with Dr Pate of the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of the World Bank, and of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation? Refreshing. WHO unfolded plans to spend 300 million dollars to fight malaria in Nigeria, while the World Bank, subject to ratification by its board of directors, will make available the princely sum of 2.1 billion dollars for the rebuilding of infrastructure in the North-east, a region beleaguered by insurgency in the past six years? The fund, under the auspices of International Development Agency (IDA) will be made available as loans for Nigeria, at very low interest rates. The first 10 years would be interest free, while an additional 30 years would be granted at rates lower than that of the capital market.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also disclosed plans to work with the Dangote Foundation to ensure that Nigeria gets a clean bill of health on polio. Already, no case of polio has been recorded in the country for a full year, and if the position subsists for another full year, Nigeria would be declared polio free.
Cheery news also came from the session between the Nigerian team and the American Attorney General. The host country would track illicit money from Nigeria in all their jurisdictions, including the U.S, while training would also be provided for our judicial officers, prosecutors, police, and other security agencies, to track and recover stolen funds.
Same sex issue enters the scene. On Tuesday afternoon, Buhari was in his right elements, as he attended a joint session by the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs at the Capitol Hill. Many issues came up for discussion, ranging from foreign relations, to growing democracy, human rights, and many others. Then a senator brought in the clincher. What does Nigeria think of the rights of homosexuals and lesbians.
Sodomy or anything of such kind is against the laws of Nigeria, and, indeed, the Nigerian society abhors such practices, the President declared.
Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Latter Rain Assembly was in the audience, and from the delight on his face, he could have carried Buhari shoulder high, if protocol had permitted such.
To cap that delightful day, the president headed to the Chancery, Nigeria Embassy. He had two assignments there.
A Meet and Greet session had been packaged by Mo Abudu of Ebony Life TV, in which Nigerian youths, who are professionals, had been invited from across America to greet President Buhari, and share their dreams of a greater country with him. The young people were really happy to have their president and father figure in their midst.
Next was the meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, who also came from across America. Biodun Ogunjobi had driven 12 hours to attend the event. He also had waited for four hours outside the Embassy gates, till the program commenced. Such is the fervor Nigerians in America have for their country, and for a president they see as symbol of change. For about two hours, the President interacted with them, answering all the questions.
On the final day of the visit, it was an interactive event at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). It was jointly organized by the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, Centre for Strategic Studies and Atlantic Council. Ambassador Johnny Carson, who coordinated the session, described the guest as a man of honour and integrity. Buhari went to America, he saw, and he conquered.
*Adesina is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to President Buhari. [myad]
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President Buhari – From Washington With Dignity, By Femi Adesina
It was an official visit that attracted not only national, but also international attention. President Muhammadu Buhari was going to visit the United States of America for four days, on the invitation of President Barack Obama.
Was this going to be just another jamboree, or truly an event that would reset the buttons in the relationship between the two countries?
Sure, there had been some cooling of passion between the two erstwhile allies during the dying days of the Jonathan administration, and American experts sent here to train our military had even been asked to leave. She had also refused to sell us Cobra helicopters and other armaments, which could have made a lot of difference in our fight against insurgents in the North-east of the country. America had cited some reasons, including alleged human rights violations. The then President Jonathan was thus forced to look towards South Africa for arms.
No doubt, the kiln of passion needed to be kindled anew between Nigeria and America, and the invitation extended to Buhari during the G7 Summit in Germany, in June, was a much needed elixir. The Nigerian leader accepted the offer, and so was in Washington between Sunday, July 19 and Wednesday, July 22.
But another whiff of controversy had presaged the meeting. America, through its Supreme Court, had recently legitimized same sex relationship. It was against the laws of God, but heck, what did America care? What matters now are rights, and people with homosexual or lesbian cravings must have their rights protected under the law.
It was into the eye of this storm that some Nigerians felt Buhari would be flying, on his trip. True, he had been asked to bring a ‘wish list’ by his host, but is there ever free lunch in America? Yes, your wish would be granted.
America would help you decapitate Boko Haram, would help you trace and repatriate billions of dollars salted away in foreign banks by past rulers, would help boost your economy and generate employment, but at what price? At a price of endorsing same sex marriage, which would be contrary to our laws as a country, and to the laws of the God that majority of Nigerians believe in, and serve? Would Buhari capitulate simply because America would help him fulfill promises he made during election campaigns?
To America we flew last Sunday, arriving after a voyage of 12 hours. Our President was accommodated along with some members of the entourage at the historic Blair House, just a peeping distance from the White House. A good number of meetings were to hold at that Blair House in the next four days.
After a briefing of what was to come in the next four days by Professor Ade Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador to the United States of America, the President played host to former American Ambassador in Nigeria, Thomas Pickering and Professor Jean Herskovits. The man who has been quite outspoken about Nigeria, and who had doubted if the country would survive the 2015 general elections, Ambassador John Campbell, also came, among other people.
The day was not done until Madeline Albright (remember her? A large number of people across the world were mad about Madeline years back when she was American Secretary of State. She did the work admirably). Well, Madeline came to dinner with our President. She has aged, but rather gracefully.
Day 2 was the day the world had been waiting for. Day of meeting with the world’s most influential president, Barak Obama. But not so fast! First, breakfast with Vice President Joe Biden. What did he tell our President?
Biden gave an overview of the objectives of the entire visit,assuring Nigeria of the goodwill and support of America. He shared perspectives on the terror war, drawing from America’s experiences after the September 2001 assault, in which thousands were killed by Al-Qaeda inspired terrorists. He said Boko Haram, which has now pledged loyalty to ISIS, should not be battled with just military option. There was also the need to combine the war with strong socio-economic programs. He said the U.S would be ready to work with Nigeria in that direction.
On the Nigerian economy, Biden bade the leadership to tackle the issue of corruption, strengthen the institutions, and appoint tested hands to man critical sectors. If all these were done, he assured that investors would flood Nigeria in droves.
Buhari thanked his host, and added that the role played by America prior to general elections, sending Secretary of State John Kerry to convey that America would not tolerate the subversion of the people’s will, went a long way to guarantee fairness and justice.
Having served as Minister for Petroleum Resources for over three years in the 1970s, the President did not forget to mention the oil sector. He said between 10 to 20 billion dollars may have been lost to oil theft in the past one year, and pledged to sanitize the sector. He welcomed American assistance.
The much awaited meeting with Obama came up a while later at the White House. The US President described Buhari as a man of integrity needed for such a time as this in Nigeria.
Every patriotic Nigerian must have stood several feet taller, as Obama eulogized our President. It served to rekindle confidence in our country. With the right leadership, Nigeria can, and will get there. Sure.
The American president charted the same course as his deputy on the issue of Boko Haram. According to him, economic and social programs must run concurrently with military option, to conclusively defeat insurgency.
Obama said the diversity of Nigeria, rather than be a centrifugal force, must be a centripetal one. The disparate parts of the country should be harnessed to become source of strength, adding that no part of the country should be left behind, or alienated.
Buhari, the American president observed, was hugely popular, judging by the enormous goodwill that surrounded his election. He urged him to use the goodwill to serve Nigeria, alongside the governors that accompanied him. The governors are Rochas Okorocha, Imo, Adams Oshiomhole, Edo, Tanko Al-Makura, Nasarawa, Kashim Shettima, Borno, and Abiola Ajimobi, Oyo.
Speaking on behalf of the governors, Okorocha assured Obama that the states’ helmsmen would back up Buhari to bring enduring change to Nigeria.
Obama made pledges. America would help Nigeria in diverse ways: checkmate insurgency, train and equip her military, recover monies siphoned out of federal coffers, and many others. And with no strings attached.
The bilateral meetings/ audiences with the Nigerian president at Blair House, and other venues, were worth their weight in gold. The American Secretary of Commerce met with the Nigerian team, so did Loretta Lynch, U.S Attorney General, Jack Lew, Secretary of the Treasury, the Barker Group, potential investors in the agriculture and power sectors. There was an interactive dinner hosted by U.S Chamber of Commerce and Corporate Council for Africa, and captains of industry from Nigeria and America were there, among others.
What of the meeting with Dr Pate of the World Health Organization (WHO), representatives of the World Bank, and of the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation? Refreshing. WHO unfolded plans to spend 300 million dollars to fight malaria in Nigeria, while the World Bank, subject to ratification by its board of directors, will make available the princely sum of 2.1 billion dollars for the rebuilding of infrastructure in the North-east, a region beleaguered by insurgency in the past six years? The fund, under the auspices of International Development Agency (IDA) will be made available as loans for Nigeria, at very low interest rates. The first 10 years would be interest free, while an additional 30 years would be granted at rates lower than that of the capital market.
The Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation also disclosed plans to work with the Dangote Foundation to ensure that Nigeria gets a clean bill of health on polio. Already, no case of polio has been recorded in the country for a full year, and if the position subsists for another full year, Nigeria would be declared polio free.
Cheery news also came from the session between the Nigerian team and the American Attorney General. The host country would track illicit money from Nigeria in all their jurisdictions, including the U.S, while training would also be provided for our judicial officers, prosecutors, police, and other security agencies, to track and recover stolen funds.
Same sex issue enters the scene. On Tuesday afternoon, Buhari was in his right elements, as he attended a joint session by the Senate and House Committees on Foreign Affairs at the Capitol Hill. Many issues came up for discussion, ranging from foreign relations, to growing democracy, human rights, and many others. Then a senator brought in the clincher. What does Nigeria think of the rights of homosexuals and lesbians.
Sodomy or anything of such kind is against the laws of Nigeria, and, indeed, the Nigerian society abhors such practices, the President declared.
Pastor Tunde Bakare of The Latter Rain Assembly was in the audience, and from the delight on his face, he could have carried Buhari shoulder high, if protocol had permitted such.
To cap that delightful day, the president headed to the Chancery, Nigeria Embassy. He had two assignments there.
A Meet and Greet session had been packaged by Mo Abudu of Ebony Life TV, in which Nigerian youths, who are professionals, had been invited from across America to greet President Buhari, and share their dreams of a greater country with him. The young people were really happy to have their president and father figure in their midst.
Next was the meeting with Nigerians in Diaspora, who also came from across America. Biodun Ogunjobi had driven 12 hours to attend the event. He also had waited for four hours outside the Embassy gates, till the program commenced. Such is the fervor Nigerians in America have for their country, and for a president they see as symbol of change. For about two hours, the President interacted with them, answering all the questions.
On the final day of the visit, it was an interactive event at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP). It was jointly organized by the National Democratic Institute, International Republican Institute, Centre for Strategic Studies and Atlantic Council. Ambassador Johnny Carson, who coordinated the session, described the guest as a man of honour and integrity.
Buhari went to America, he saw, and he conquered.
*Adesina is Special Adviser, Media and Publicity, to President Buhari. [myad]