U.S. moves to remove Nigeria from terror list
By Chinedu Offor, Correspondent, Washington DC
Pressure by Abuja to get Nigeria off America’s terrorist watch list seems to have paid off as Washington has promised to “revisit the issue.”
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A senior White House official said President Barack Obama could de-list Nigeria as a “goodwill gesture’ to Acting President Goodluck Jonathan when he visits later this month.
Aides disclosed that Obama had discussions with Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, as well as with Justice Department and Homeland Security officials before taking the decision.
The change of heart may have been further encouraged by reports that Nigeria has installed scanners at the airport in Lagos and plans to do so at other exit points, a key requirement by the United States.
Nigeria’s argument was made anew by Adebowale Adefuye, Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S., when he presented his letter of credence to Obama at the White House..
Adefuye told Obama that Jonathan asked him “to again convey Nigeria’s shock at this and urge you to revisit this issue as soon as possible.”
He pleaded that the attempt by Farouk Abdulmutallab last December to bomb an American plane was a one-off incident which should not have warranted the classification of Nigeria as a country of interest in the fight against terrorism.
“On our part, we promise our continued co-operation 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,” Adefuye said.
He noted that the U.S., one of Nigeria’s closest allies, has identified with the nation at all times.
“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.
“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.”
As a leader on the African continent, Adefuye added, Nigeria has “consistently worked with the U.S.” in protecting and promoting sustainable global peace and security, and “it is proud of its contributions” to United Nations peace keeping activities.
“This factor has helped in fostering peace and sustainable development on 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 contributions to sustainable economic and social development in our two countries.”
