Friday, 20 September 2013

U.S./ NIGERIA TO FIGHT BOKO HARAM SCOURGE BY: HENRY IBYA, ABUJA




Recognizing peace as the only panacea to a prosperous Nigeria, the United States government has reaffirmed commitment to ensure lasting peace, uninterrupted democracy and prosperity for all Nigerian citizens prevails and as well promised to work in collaboration with the Nigerian government to assist in guaranteeing civilian security in the troubled zones ravaged by the Boko Haram insurgence.

In a joint communiqué at the end of a regional security cooperation working group held in Abuja both countries acknowledged the threat terrorism has posed to Nigeria as a country, its national development, regional stability and global security and further expressed determination and commitment to further improve and support measures put in place by the Nigerian government to address the issue.

The communiqué which was signed by Ambassador Wendy R. Sherman head of the American delegation and under secretary for political Affaires U.S state department and Major General Bello Sukiyaki who is the head of counter terrorism in the office of the National Security Adviser to President Goodluck Jonathan noted the fundamental responsibility of government which is that of preserving life,  protecting the entire populace and fairly administering justice and also resolved that government should do more
In the area of good governance, accountability and economic development towards building a prosperous and peaceful future for are Nigerians.

 Also recognizing a joint desire to further strengthen bilateral relations, both government resolved to constantly carry out persistent engagement and cooperation on security matters, follow up on their commitments as well as seek further collaborative efforts towards addressing the challenges identified as well as plan to seek participation from private Sector, civil society, local governments and other democratic partner countries towards achieving lasting peace in Nigeria.

The Meeting which drew representatives on the Nigerian side from top military officers from Ministry of Defense, Federal Ministry of Justice Ministry of Foreign Affairs, The Nigerian Police, Department of State Security, National Intelligence Agency, office of the National Security Adviser, Borno State government and civil organizations and  with the Permanent Secretary, Nigeria Ministry of Foreign Affairs heading the Nigerian delegation .
The meeting also had in attendance the United States delegation , under Secretary Wendy R Sherman leading the pack, other officials in attendance were from the Department of State, Dept of Defense ,the United States Agency for International Development and the White House .
 The  United States government also affirmed its commitment to assist the Nigerian Police Force to identify areas of increasing partnership.




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