President Buhari, in a virtual meeting with the US Secretary of State, Mr. Anthony Blinken, said AFRICOM, which partners with countries to counter transnational threats, should be relocated to Africa to strengthen ongoing efforts to check the security situation, with likely effect on other nations.
“The security challenges in Nigeria remain of great concern to us and impacted more negatively, by existing complex negative pressures in the Sahel, Central and West Africa, as well as the Lake Chad Region.
“Compounded as the situation remains, Nigeria and her security forces remain resolutely committed to containing them and addressing their root causes. The support of important and strategic partners like United States cannot be overstated as the consequences of insecurity will affect all nations hence the imperative for concerted cooperation and collaboration of all nations to overcome these challenges.
“In this connection, and considering the growing security challenges in West and Central Africa, Gulf of Guinea, Lake Chad region and the Sahel, weighing heavily on Africa, it underscores the need for the United States to consider re-locating AFRICOM Headquarters from Stuttgart, Germany to Africa and near the Theatre of Operation,’’ he said.
The President said Nigeria will enhance collaborations in all forms, with friends and strategic partners, to work together for greater security for all, which remain the most significant condition for overcoming the existential challenges.
President Buhari congratulated Blinken on his appointment by President Joe Biden, and commended the United States for the decision to repeal the immigration restriction known as the “Muslim ban’’, re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change.
“Nigeria attaches great importance to its relations with the United States. Let me in this connection express appreciation to President Joe Biden for his welcome and reaching decision to repeal the Immigration restriction known as the ‘Muslim ban’ on travel and visas for citizens predominantly from Muslim Nations and African Countries, including Nigeria.
“I also wish to congratulate the United States for re-joining the World Health Organization (WHO) and Paris Agreement on Climate Change. The leadership of the United States in these two organizations is crucial for international community.
“This action is a demonstration of the United States commitment in championing and supporting international organizations with the aim to build a better world for all,’’ he added.
President Buhari noted that Nigeria remains resolute in her commitment to supporting global efforts as enshrined in the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, which seeks to limit global warming and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
According to the President, the convening of the Climate Change Summit last week by President Biden was a strong indication of the renewed interest of the United States to the Paris Agreement.
“I would like to extend our goodwill message to President Joe Biden and his Administration. May I also thank you for initiating this meeting, which I am confident, given your background and current position, you will use to promote the existing bilateral relations between our two countries,’’ the President said.
The Secretary of State said he was pleased to make Nigeria part of his “first virtual visit to Africa,” noting that Nigeria and the United States of America, share a lot in bilateral issues.
He added that he would be delighted to build on the foundation that was laid between the two countries over 60 years ago, disclosing that areas of discussion with Nigeria would include “how to build our economies back after the COVID-19 pandemic, security for vulnerable communities, and climate issues.”
Well said, but is it only on paper and no action?
ReplyDeleteWho else watched this virtual meeting? This otondo was the only person who was fixated on his prepared speech. Any other thing they were saying was their business. You could see the shock on their faces. Maka Chukwu, it will never be well with you if you voted for this guy. I will never forgive you for getting me in this mess. You must reap what you've down.
ReplyDeleteI was going to ask if Buhari read from a prepared speech because I don't know him to be this articulate.
DeleteOh dear! 🤦♀️
I'm too angry for words. He knows the perpetrators of violence, banditry and all the other evils in Nigeria but prefers to turn a blind eye and deaf ear. See the clear case of his minister and kinsman Pantami or what is he called. Will he take action? No. We are tired abeg
ReplyDeleteGOD will disgrace everyone involved in this matter
ReplyDeleteBuhari is a complete failure why campaign for the office you know you do not have capacity and ability to handle? Since inception of this admnistration it was very clear he is running tribalist agenda, and his unwillingness to tackle common herdsmen issue has boomerang and led to larger issues like food insecurity as farmers could no longer goes to the farms. Then those herdsmen were later turned into kidnappers, the security structure were overstretch, and plus appointments through the rank and file were base on religion and tribe than competence. Nigeria is in big trouble and it will take longer time to get out of the rut Buhari administration has put the country.
ReplyDeletehas *boomeranged*.....
Deleteappointments through the rank and file were *based* on....
Your first is the question Buhari needs to answer! ❓
Buhari you want people to always fight your battles for us and you don't want to take part in it...So if you relocate the institution, what next? Are you gonna change the ways that you guys steal monies meant for arm procurement? I am sure you want US and UK to join in fighting this war of insecurity...Are you gonna look at the loopholes in intelligence where Bokoharam have already been armed with information about the incoming of troops to tackle insecurity? This help you may ask for is not for free and seeking help comes with its own agenda from these countries? Why will you seek help from people who predicated years ago that in 2015, Nigeria will disintegrate? We really need to think before asking for help from these foreign countries?
ReplyDeletePlease if I may ask ,how many heads do all these people have??
ReplyDeleteIs there anything special about their brains??
Just asking.
I can't believe I'm saying this but at this point, a military coup might not be such a bad idea, my heart has been in my mouth since I have been reading about Imo, Abakiliki, Anambra, I'm less than 2 hours away from these places oh
ReplyDelete