U.S restates partnership to tackle Nigeria's security challenges

Details: Written by Abdullateef Abubakar Jos

Mr Gregory Lawless, Political Counsellor of the U.S. Embassy in Abuja, said this in while

briefing newsmen on the outcomes of the U.S.-Nigeria Bi National Commission (BNC).

Mr. Lawless said the partnership would promote development in Africa.

``Security concerns in Nigeria would be addressed through our regional security

cooperation working group as part of the Bi National Commission.

`` We are looking at a holistic approach to address the grievances of the population,

especially in the north.

``Through that mechanism, we think by broadening the scope of response to violent

extremism, we believe that we will be addressing some of those issues in a more

fundamental way.

``As the government of Nigeria embraces a more whole-of-government approach to the

issue of violent extremism whether it’s in the north or other areas, we think that is a

positive development and we will work with the Nigerian government as it develops this

more holistic approach.

``We are partners with the nation of Nigeria, a strong independent sovereign nation. We

believe Nigeria is a leader of Africa and the challenges Nigeria faces are the challenges

Africa faces, said mr.Lawless.”

Lawless said that the Bi National Commission since its establishment in 2010 had

succeeded in ensuring the integration of civil society into the electoral process prior to the

2011 elections.

He said that other successes achieved were sustained and enhanced dialogue with energy

sector officials on energy policy reforms to increase investment; and the agreement to

explore a partnership with the Nigerian Army to build its civil affairs capacity.

Reports say that the U.S.-Nigeria Bi national Commission was inaugurated in April 2010 by

the former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to advance issues of mutual concerns

between both countries.

The commission has five working groups which focus on issues concerning governance,

energy, security, agriculture, and the Niger Delta.

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History Trivia

Do you know that?

On May 23, 1887 the 1st transcontinental train arrived in Vancouver, BC.

On a similar date in 1940 the 1st great dogfight between Spitfires took place

Also on May 23, 1996 In Bangladesh as many as 77 people were feared drowned in a sunken ferry after a collision on the Jamuna River. More than 50 ferries have sunk since 1981 killing more than 1,000 people.

On the same date in 1998 From India and Pakistan it was reported that temperatures had reached 120 degrees and claimed 34 lives. Most of the fatalities occurred in the southwestern Indian state of Maharashtra

However on May 23, 2000 In Nigeria Christians and Muslims clashed for a 2nd day in Kaduna and the death toll mounted to 100.

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