The House of Representatives says Nigeria’s strategic relationship with the United States will add value to the fight against insecurity soon.
The Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Mr. Babajimi Benson made this known when he led a selected delegation from the House of Representatives to a constructive engagements with the US Department of States.
Nigeria’s security issue
The meeting was to review the relationship between both countries with specific regards to Nigeria’s security issues.
Mr. Benson promised that with the new arrival of the fighter jets expected from the US, the Nigerian Airforce would be better equipped to fight insurgency and other criminalities.
The Spokesperson of the House, Mr. Benjamin Kalu, reiterated the need for the US Mission to bridge the information gap between it and Nigerians.
He said this would raise the consciousness of Nigerians on US projects and interventions to assist Nigeria in tackling insecurity, Covid-19 pandemic and other aspects of of National growth.
“Knowledge breeds confidence and trust which are fundamental in sustaining Nigeria’s long existing relationship with US recently improved by President Biden.
”It appears America is doing much but speaking less which denies the citizens the ability to assess Nigeria’s relationship as an ally of America,”Mr. Kalu stated.
At the informal session pertinent questions raised by the delegates were answered by the Nigerian ally.
Others on the legislative team are; the Chairman House Committee on Army; Abdulrazak Namdas, Deputy Chairman, House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Adejoro Adeogun, and House Spokesperson and Chairman, Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Mr. Benjamin Kalu.
The US team was led by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Kathleen FitzGibbon, and included Political-Military Officer, Mr. Daniel Ricci; Political Officer, Mr. Jerry Howard; Major, US Airforce, Mr. John Mahaney and Major, US Airforce, Ms. Yonca Nice.
The delegation was informed of the United States’ efforts and achievements in Nigeria which included expenditures on health, human development, capacity building etc.
The interactive session lasted for two hours and has been scheduled to be a periodic engagement.
Anthonia Mbey