Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador To The United States Resumes In DC

PHOTO: THE NIGERIAN COAT OF ARMS.

San Francisco March 29, (THEWILL) - Nigeria’s New Ambassador to the United States of America, Professor Adebowale Adefuye on Monday presented his letter of credence to United States President, Barack Obama, at the White House.

While at the White House, Adefuye conveyed Nigerian Acting President’s message to Obama urging the United States government to consider taking Nigerian off the list of countries of interest on the US terror list, which emanated as a result of the unsuccessful Christmas Day bombing attempt of a US carrier by Nigeria’s Umar Farouk Abdul Mutallab.

"This event, serious as it is, is a one-off incident and ought not to have warranted the classification of Nigeria as a country of interest in the fight against terrorism.

"On our part, we promise our continued cooperation with United States institutions in the fight against terrorism while pledging to sustain ongoing efforts in Nigeria aimed at effectively preventing terrorist networks from operating within our borders as well as West African region."

Speaking on Nigeria’s leadership role in Africa and the globe while also promoting peace and stability in the international community, Adefuye said, “This factor has helped in fostering peace and sustainable development in the African continent and has contributed significantly to international peace. An estimated one million Nigerians and Nigerian-Americans live, study, and work in the United States, while over 25,000 Americans live and work in Nigeria.

"These populations have played tremendous roles in enhancing social and economic co-existence for both countries. They have further cemented our relationship by their contribution to sustainable economic and social development in our two countries," he added.

On The US/Nigeria close relationship, Adefuye said, "Indeed, the history of Nigeria’s 50 years of statehood will be incomplete without a mention of the proactive role of the United States in supporting us in our quest for sustainable political stability and economic development.

"The United States’ interest in our economic and political well-being has been one of the critical factors for the progress recorded in our effort to consolidate our democracy and deliver its dividends to the people of the country.

"Both countries represent how strong nation-states can emerge out of pluralized subsets due to the spirit of equity, tolerance and determination.”

On the fight to eradicate corruption in Nigeria, the ambassador thanked the US for its support and encouragement while also assisting with strengthening Nigeria’s democracy even during the absence of Nigerian ailing President, Umaru Yar’Adua.

"We also acknowledge United States’ support in our fight against corruption and economic crimes; public health development; support for infrastructural development; capacity building in the oil sector; support for strengthening democratic institutions and counter-terrorism initiatives among others.

"The Federal Republic of Nigeria requests that these initiatives be sustained and even increased in the following years. We look forward to the successful implementation of the objectives of the Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission that will be launched in a couple of days." 


In his response, Barack Obama acknowledged Acting President Goodluck Jonathan’s efforts in pushing for electoral reforms, and ending the violence in the Niger Delta region and Jos, Plateau State. Obama however cautioned on the prolonged absence of Yar’Adua from power which created uncertainty in the country but was quick to praise Nigerians for taking steps to forestall any uncertainty "while adhering to democratic principles."

He called on Nigeria to continue to play its important role as a regional leader and urged that Nigeria and the United States must continue its partnership in the war against "terrorism and violent extremism so as to make West Africa a safer place" adding that "the upcoming launch of the US Nigeria Bi-National Commission illustrates our desire to further enhance this relationship."

The United States and Nigeria are scheduled to sign the agreement in Washington DC in April.