This Day (Lagos)

14 December 2007
Posted to the web 14 December 2007

Paul Ohia and Constance Ikokwu
Washington DC

President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua yesterday at the White House in Washington, D.C., United States (US) stated that Nigeria would partner the US/AFRICA Command (AFRICOM) on security on the continent.

The Council of States of which the President is Chairman, recently voiced opposition to the command.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Chief Ojo Maduekwe, who is part of the President's delegation to the US had himself stated that Nigeria would not support the presence of US troops on African soil under the auspices of AFRICOM.

But at a press briefing at the Oval Office, with President George W. Bush in attendance, Yar'Adua made known his new position.

"We have discussed on security issues, security within Nigeria, the Niger Delta, the Gulf of Guinea and peace and security on the African continent. We shall partner AFRICOM to assist not only Nigeria but also the African continent to actualise its peace and security initiatives. It is an initiative to have standby forces in each of the regional economic groupings in Africa," said the President.

The President did not give details of the discussion on AFRICOM, such as whether Nigeria will be used as the Command's base, an issue that has emerged contentious in recent times.

But his support at the White House was a clear departure from the leaning of his administration on the issue.

Nigeria's acceptance of the command is capable of influencing other African countries.

The President said the "friendship and understanding" of the US government is important to Nigeria.

Nigeria's friendship with the US, according to him, would help the country transform itself from an "underdeveloped nation" to a free market economy.

He noted that issues of democracy and the rule of law, HIV/Aids, malaria, education were discussed during his meeting with Bush.

The US is committed to assisting Nigeria uphold democracy and build a vibrant economy, he remarked.

Yar'Adua restated his government's commitment to transparency, accountability, and a society free of corruption.

He told the audience that he briefed Bush on Nigeria's effort towards a credible electoral process and the principles of equity and justice.

These principles, he argued, would be the basis for building a free society.

"I am highly honoured and privileged to be here. I will never forget this moment in my life. I have briefed Mr. President on the situation in Nigeria and our efforts to anchor democracy on the rule of law, to have a credible electoral process and to ensure that the principles of justice, equity will guide the conduct of affairs in Nigeria.

"Transparency, accountability and the fight against corruption and Mr President has expressed his support to assist Nigeria to ensure that we continue to uphold democracy and the rule of law, zero tolerance on corruption and the development of a free market economy through economic reforms," he said.

He said further:"This will set the principles upon which we build a free society, capable of growing an economy that will cater for the development and needs of the people of Nigeria. In this great effort we are making, we find great friendship and assistance from the government and people of the United States. We are very grateful for this expression of support.

Bush had lofty words for President Yar'Adua.

"Mr President, I am impressed by your commitment to reform, your adherence to the concept of the rule of law and your efforts on transparency. Congratulations on being a strong leader.

"We also talked about social justice issues and the issue of education. The President is committed to compulsory education throughout the country. I admire that and we want to help him," he stated.

The US President said it was in his country's national interest to assist Nigeria from a security and moral perspective.

On HIV/Aids, he acknowledged that Yar'Adua, during their discussions, showed that he was committed to helping Nigerian families affected by way of making anti-retroviral drugs available.

"We are proud you're here, I welcome you, thank you for your time and your heart," Bush said.

Ahead of the Yar'Adua, Bush meeting, a US senator, Russ Feingold, had written to Bush emphasising the need for "demonstrable progress in critical government reforms."
The senator who stated that he is closely following developments in Nigeria wanted Bush to take advantage of the White House visit of Yar'Adua to emphasise the need for demonstrable progress on critical governance reforms.

"To consolidate the hard-earned political and economic gains made under the Obasanjo administration, President Yar'Adua must commit to a complete overhaul of Nigeria's democratic institutions- including, but not limited to, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). That also means demonstrating movement towards making Nigeria's political and economic systems more transparent and accountable to its citizens," he wrote.

Recalling that Yar'Adua came into office pledging zero tolerance for corruption, he argued that there had been little movement on some of the key corruption cases that would indicate he is serious about upholding this pledge.