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Nairaland Forum / Nairaland / General / Politics / Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban (1540 Views)
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Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by omohayek: 11:20am On Feb 04, 2019 |
WASHINGTON/ABUJA (Reuters) - Nigerian presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar visited Washington two weeks ago to meet with top U.S. diplomats and lawmakers thanks to a temporary suspension of a travel ban linked to decade-old bribery scandals, according to people familiar with the matter. The U.S. administration has not commented on Atiku’s status or his travel, but several U.S. diplomats and others familiar with the visit told Reuters the former vice president has been banned from entering the United States for the past several years after he figured prominently in two corruption cases. For Atiku’s supporters, the fact he was able to visit Washington on Jan. 17 and 18 without being arrested was proof that the allegations were baseless. “It is fake news, and we showed that,” said Harold Molokwu, who heads the U.S. chapter of Atiku’s People’s Democratic Party of Nigeria. Several U.S. government officials said the travel ban was waived temporarily by the U.S. State Department after lobbyists mounted a campaign among congressional lawmakers arguing that the administration should not snub the leading challenger to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari in the Feb. 16 election. One person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Atiku was allowed to enter because the United States saw little benefit to creating bad blood with the man who might be the next leader of Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s biggest oil producer. Lobbyists hired by Atiku said they sought to overcome resistance at the State Department by securing support from members of Congress for the visit, as well as arguing that the top U.S. official for African affairs, Assistant Secretary Tibor Nagy, had an obligation to encourage democracy in the seventh most populous country in the world. https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-nigeria-election-atiku-exclusive/exclusive-nigerian-candidates-u-s-visit-was-temporary-reprieve-from-graft-ban-idUKKCN1PT0TT cc: Lalasticlala 3 Likes 2 Shares |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by omohayek: 11:22am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Atiku’s visa troubles stem from when he served as Nigeria’s vice president, from 1999 to 2007. He figured prominently in the corruption trial of former U.S. Representative William Jefferson, who was accused of trying to bribe Atiku in an effort to expand a technology business in Nigeria. Jefferson was convicted in 2009 and sentenced to 13 years in prison. His sentence was subsequently reduced. Separately U.S. Senate investigators in 2010 alleged that one of Atiku’s four wives helped him transfer more than $40 million in “suspect funds” into the United States from offshore shell companies. At least $1.7 million of that money was bribes paid by German technology company Siemens AG, according to Senate investigators. Siemens pleaded guilty to bribery charges in 2008 and agreed to pay a $1.6 billion fine. 5 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by omohayek: 11:22am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Atiku’s whirlwind visit to Washington last month was put together with the help of two U.S. lobbying firms. Holland & Knight was hired by Atiku personally in December to help him secure a visa, in part by enlisting members of Congress to request one on his behalf, according to a lobbyist for the firm. It has been paid $80,000 so far. Ballard Partners was hired by Atiku’s political party at a rate of $90,000 per month in September, before Atiku emerged as the party’s candidate, according to U.S. disclosure filings. The firm’s lobbyists worked to set up a meeting with Nagy, arguing it would show that the United States wanted to encourage free and fair elections in a country where graft is endemic. 4 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by omohayek: 11:23am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Atiku stayed at the Trump International Hotel, owned by the president, and met with several hundred Nigerian expatriates there, according to two people who attended the gathering. The luxury hotel is the subject of several lawsuits that allege Trump is violating an anti-corruption clause in the U.S. Constitution that limits the president’s ability to accept gifts from foreign governments. Atiku’s supporters say they chose the hotel because they were able to book rooms at a discounted rate with only a few days’ notice. “I think it was because of the availability of the space,” said Uche Udemadu, an official with the U.S. chapter of the People’s Democratic Party of Nigeria. A spokeswoman for the hotel declined to comment. 2 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by OAUTemitayo: 11:24am On Feb 04, 2019 |
We know..
There is no way we will allow such a person near our treasury. 4 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 11:24am On Feb 04, 2019 |
This confirms he indeed had a travel ban placed on him for years due to corruption and he only suffered a temporary reprieve due to the confirmed lobbyist he paid heavily to achieve this. Once he looses, his travel ban will be reinstated O To Ge Anini of Adamawa 6 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by NgeneUkwenu(f): 11:26am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Ok |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Racoon(m): 11:26am On Feb 04, 2019 |
One person familiar with the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Atiku was allowed to enter because the United States saw little benefit to creating bad blood with the man who might be the next leader of Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s biggest oil producer. 1 Like
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Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Racoon(m): 11:26am On Feb 04, 2019 |
[s] NgeneUkwenupost=75402692] Ok[/quote][/s] 3 Likes
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Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by helinues: 11:27am On Feb 04, 2019 |
So what should we do now? He went and came back.. 4 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by AroleOduduwa(m): 11:27am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Baseless and incoherent report, bottom line is Atiku has visited the US 6 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by naijapips02: 11:27am On Feb 04, 2019 |
omohayek: The bolded is the greatest point from this article. It means the USA already have intelligence that Atiku is most likely to be the next president of Nigeria. All hail His Excellency, Incoming President Atiku Abubakar. 7 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 11:33am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Racoon: Go and show Reuters the picture. Is Reuters APC? 2 Likes 1 Share |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 11:35am On Feb 04, 2019 |
naijapips02: Might be is the word of note. However the Anini Of Adamawa is going nowhere 1 Like 1 Share |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Racoon(m): 11:40am On Feb 04, 2019 |
[s] Tetehjewels:[/s] Sorry man! Thought the narrative was that Atiku should never be granted visa? Atiku he can never step his feet in the US? That the US govt/FBI will arrest him on arrival? FOI, the US is a far more matured democratic country than this shithole turned country that the illiterate clueless, certificateless, incompetent and ineptitude demigod have turned Nigeria into today. Should the historic Atiku US visit truly violates any US foreign policy, the entire country should have erupt in violence protest that may even lead to the impeachment of President Trump.The US is not Nigeria under a tyrannt called Buhari. 2 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by naijapips02: 11:41am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Tetehjewels: They wouldn't have made that prediction if they do not see a greater chance of him, Atiku Abubakar winning. That's taking a bet against buhari because if this article is to believed, they spitted buhari for atiku and would sure draw buhari's anger. But they see Atiku as a likelier win so they placed the bet on him. And knowing USA, they do not act in ignorance. 2 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by paq1: 11:43am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Tetehjewels:11 Days to go for your eyes to cllear. 2 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Racoon(m): 11:45am On Feb 04, 2019 |
[s] Tetehjewels:[/s] 2 Likes
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Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by bastardmod: 11:46am On Feb 04, 2019 |
R |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 11:50am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Racoon:
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Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 11:52am On Feb 04, 2019 |
Racoon: Sorry wailer the article clearly declared that Atiku bribed his way to USA However his bribe is only a temporary reprieve from his visa ban due to corrupt practices Your guy is still a corruption champion and the Anini Of Adamawa 2 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by nwanyionitsha: 1:05pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
Tetehjewels:I thought you guys said he went as Saraki's aide? |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by nwanyionitsha: 1:07pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
Tetehjewels:United States saw little benefit to creating bad blood with the man who might be the next leader of Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s biggest oil producer. Read that part. |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by tribalistseun: 1:07pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
ok
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Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 1:08pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
nwanyionitsha: I thought you guys said Buhari is Jibril from Sudan 1 Like |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 1:09pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
nwanyionitsha: I read it and it still didn't change the fact that he bribed his way to USA for a temporary reprieve. Still the Anini of Adamawa 2 Likes |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by HappyPagan: 1:09pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
naijapips02:See reasoning.. |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by slivertongue: 1:09pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
baless accusation is the right word |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by nwanyionitsha: 1:10pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
Tetehjewels:United States saw little benefit to creating bad blood with the man who might be the next leader of Africa’s most populous nation and the continent’s biggest oil producer. Read the part above. Moreover, i thought you guys said he went as Saraki's P. A/aide? |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Nobody: 1:17pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
nwanyionitsha: Seeing little benefit in creating bad blood did not change the fact that he was giving A TEMPORARY travel ban reprieve for corrupt practices let that sink into your head. He remains the Anini of Adamawa |
Re: Reuters: Nigerian Candidate's U.S. Visit Was Temporary Reprieve From Graft Ban by Mariory(m): 1:17pm On Feb 04, 2019 |
Interesting... |
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