The United States of America may cut aid to Nigeria following the presidential pardon granted a former governor of Bayelsa State, Diepreye Alamieyeseigha and seven others.

Nigeria is one of the biggest recipients of US aid in Africa. Last year the US gave Nigeria about $226m in development aid and is expected to spend $600m this year.

Alamieyeseigha was found guilty and convicted of corruption before he was pardoned on Tuesday by the National Council of State after a meeting in Abuja.

The US stated that it was disappointed that those convicted of corruption could be pardoned by the President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

It said the move was a setback for Nigeria’s anti corruption crusade.

A US newspaper, The Hill, quoted the State Department spokeswoman, Victoria Nuland as saying, “The United States government is deeply disappointed over the recent pardons of corrupt officials by the Nigerian government.

“We see this as a setback for the fight against corruption and also for our ability to play the strong role we’ve played in supporting rule of law and legal institution building in Nigeria, which is very important for the future of the country, obviously.”

Asked if the US could cut off aid, Nuland said it was possible, adding that the pardon put a dent on the collaborative efforts between Nigeria and the US in fight against corruption.

emmysenior: Sometimes, I will be forced to doubt the authenticity of his so-called Phd, how can a Phd holder be so shallow minded?

sheyie2007: Lol its not even up to a billion dollars

sheyie2007: Lol its not even up to a billion dollars

omaigala: He wanted to bribe the north by including Yar'adua, the southwest by the inclusion of Diya, but Lo and behold, it back fired. I wonder how daft his advisers are, this goes to show how stack their level of illiteracy is. The level of intelligence in Nigeria is kinda sophisticated now it's still going up @ a supersonic pace. It will be very ok if he did away with the ill-fitted advisers & employ the services of real and better ones. However, this singular act of pardoning someone who shamelessly disguised as a lady & escaped to Nigeria without thinking about his dignity & that of the country, is a deceptive act & that has discredited him as someone who is not trust-worthy, a staggering nation, such as Nigeria can't be entrusted into his care. Well, I wouldn't blame the imperialist (USA) if they cut their aid.

~Bluetooth:


The aids come in form of vaccines and drugs targeted at specific diseases plaguing Africa and Nigeria which Africa billionaires and governments have ignored.the money is a livesaver to Nigeria poor families who benefit from it. . .though I won't expect Jonathan to reverse the pardon since he and his families are not benefitting from the aid but a travel ban on key officials will do more damage.

jhydebaba: Aid ko, hiv ni. Mtsheeew, we own our land, we can do what ever we like.

I hear u. NEXT!