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Corruption’s Extremely High In Nigeria, US Insists
Sympathizers at the scene of a fuel tanker gutted by fire while discharging product at Conoil Filling Station on Ahmadu Bello Way in Jos ,last Saturday
The United States Government has expressed reservations over President Goodluck Jonathan’s comments recently, alluding to the fact that corruption in Nigeria was being overblown.
US Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, Bisa Williams said in an interview at the weekend that “if you ask me, I would say that corruption is extremely high in this country; there is no other polite way to say this”.
Williams, who is also responsible for West African and African economic policy issues, said that “it is extremely unfortunate, because Nigeria as a country has tremendous intelligent people who do not have to be corrupt, because they have all it takes to be successful”, adding that “Nigerians are resourceful and they are living in abundance of wealth and to acknowledge the fact that there is corruption in Nigeria is disheartening”.
The deputy assistant secretary of state, who visited Nigeria, recently, noted that “corruption is something that Nigerians ought to handle in order to restore the image of the country. They ought to be proud of their country, and it is not acceptable for the citizens to say, ‘that is how life is in Nigeria’.
“Your government should really insist on application of rule, accountability, rule of law and transparency in receipts and documentation. These are honest steps to addressing the issue and your government should take that decision,” she stated.
She expressed the US Government’s “sincere hope that President Jonathan would join other African presidents who have been invited to the leaders’ summit that President Barack Obama would be hosting in Washington DC.”
According to her, “we just had a successful bi-national meeting weeks ago and we sent the number four person from State Department and they talked about the burden of the society and good governance,” adding that “we are good friends with Nigeria and as we consider these bothering issues, we would ensure that the country gets high level of policy attention from Washington, DC.”
On the US position on the 2015 elections, Williams said that “Nigeria is a very fascinating and dynamic country, and there are enormous interests and attractions from the international community, particularly the US, concerning the 2015 elections.
“Our government has said several times that we are looking forward to the elections being credible, fair, transparent and non-violent. And that is the key, because Nigeria is such a model for the young democracies in the continent, so it is important to us that the elections are conducted credibly.
“United States government and those in the private sector have very great interests in Nigeria, and, during my visit here, I have met with your government, civil society leaders and business people to discuss better ways to progressive elections in your country and also ways that Nigeria can attract new investments, and curb oil theft.
“As a matter of fact, I was part of the delegation that came to Nigeria last December at President Jonathan’s request to assess what is happening in the Niger Delta concerning oil theft. We met with the oil companies, and the Nigerian authorities who are responsible for securing the waterways.
“We also held a meeting in Abuja with the governments of the region, and we returned to Washington DC with reports to the Nigerian Government on what they could do to stop oil theft that is going on in the Niger Delta region. Interestingly, most of our assessments actually coincided with what the Nigerian Government’s analysts came up with, so the problem and ways to approach the issue is well known.
“The level of support the US government would give to Nigeria to ensure they operate fair and transparent elections would come in many ways. Although, Nigeria is one of the wealthiest countries in the African continent, and is quite capable of handling its elections, I am sure that the US will not relent in supporting INEC to conduct transparent elections,” Williams said.
“We will definitely have observers. The Nigerian Government has not necessarily indicated a need for support, but when we had discussions with officials in Abuja, the civil society and politicians, a lot of what was said focused on the need for government to ensure that INEC has all the resources it needs to conduct the elections the way they should be. The US is ready and willing to support everything that INEC needs to make sure there are no technical confusions during the elections.
“You have the structures and what you need are the people who are committed to ensuring things work the way they are supposed to, and that takes political will, rule of law, meaning enforcing the law. It also takes respect for human rights, accountability and willingness to make all the people accountable, regardless of their position, political party or affiliation to a particular person. There has to be a robust determination and political will to do the right things,” she emphasised.
On Boko Haram, Williams said, “I think it is important for Nigeria, and perhaps, other affected countries to get together and map out better strategy to curtail and or sanction the perpetrators and sponsors of Boko Haram. Many of them take refuge in neighbouring countries and it is worse in the northern part of Nigeria. In our view, there has to be a way for the countries that are affected to come together and solve the problem non-violently while looking at the issues of cooperation on border security”, she added.
The Rivers State Government has commended the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) for its outstanding contributions to the development of Rivers State, particularly in the areas of peacebuilding, education, healthcare, and moral development.
Governor of Rivers State, Siminalayi Fubara, stated that the Church has remained a dependable partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, moral discipline, and social harmony across society.
The Governor, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Dr. Dagogo Wokoma, made the remarks during the thanksgiving service marking the 30th Anniversary and First Session of the 11th Synod of the Diocese of Niger Delta North, held at St. Peter’s Anglican Church on Sunday.
Governor Fubara described the Synod’s theme, “Kingdom Advancement: The Priority of Every Believer,” as timely and relevant, considering the prevailing realities in society.
According to him, the Church continues to play a vital role in shaping societal values and inspiring hope among citizens.
“The Church remains a vital partner in promoting peace, unity, justice, and moral discipline. Its role in shaping values and inspiring hope cannot be overemphasized,” he stated.
The Governor further acknowledged the Anglican Communion’s contributions in education, healthcare delivery, youth empowerment, humanitarian services, and spiritual guidance across communities in Rivers State.
“The Rivers State Government appreciates the invaluable contributions of the Anglican Communion in education, healthcare, youth development, humanitarian support, and spiritual guidance. Your impact across communities in Rivers State continues to strengthen families and promote peaceful coexistence among our people,” he added.
Governor Fubara reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to building a peaceful, united, and prosperous Rivers State where all citizens can thrive irrespective of religion, ethnicity, or social background.
He also urged the Synod to continue praying for sustainable development and progress in Rivers State and Nigeria at large.
Earlier in his sermon, the Guest Minister, Joseph Olushola, spoke on the topic, “Kingdom Investment and Internal Rewards,” urging Christians to remain faithful stewards of God’s blessings and committed to advancing God’s kingdom through service and generosity.
The cleric emphasized that believers are custodians of the virtues and resources entrusted to them by God, stressing that divine rewards are based on faithfulness and impact rather than material possessions.
The Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, in partnership with the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), has reaffirmed support for efforts to expand gas distribution infrastructure in Rivers State as part of initiatives aimed at improving access to affordable, cleaner and more reliable energy for industries across the South-South region.
The commitment was highlighted during the SNG–MAN Business Forum held in Port Harcourt, where stakeholders from the industrial and public sectors examined the role of natural gas in driving industrialisation, boosting local production and strengthening energy security.
Speaking at the forum on behalf of the Managing Director of Shell Nigeria Gas Limited, the company’s Head of Gas Distribution, Mr. Chukwuka Amos Ejesi, described natural gas as a critical component of Nigeria’s energy mix and a key driver of sustainable industrial growth.
According to him, Nigeria’s gas development agenda has reached a stage where policy direction must be matched with practical implementation capable of addressing the energy challenges confronting manufacturers.
He noted that pipeline gas offers industries a cleaner, more dependable and cost-effective energy alternative capable of supporting uninterrupted operations, reducing emissions and improving production efficiency.
“Gas is the backbone of manufacturing, and we are encouraged by the growing recognition among stakeholders of the need for cleaner and more reliable energy solutions,” he said.
Ejesi stressed the need for sustained collaboration among energy providers, government institutions and industrial stakeholders to maximise the country’s gas resources for economic development.
He added that improved gas infrastructure would strengthen manufacturing value chains, enhance productivity and promote more competitive industrial operations across Rivers State and the wider South-South region.
Participants at the forum also emphasised the importance of expanding energy infrastructure as a pathway to unlocking industrial capacity, reducing operating costs and promoting sustainable industrial development.
Representing Governor Siminalayi Fubara, the Director-General of the Rivers State Investment Promotion Agency, Dr. Chamberlain Peterside, reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to partnering with private sector investors to revitalise industrial activities in the state.
He identified key projects targeted under the initiative to include the revival of the Ahoada Industrial Park, the New Port City project and the proposed Bonny Industrial Park, all aimed at stimulating economic growth and expanding industrial opportunities along the Bonny corridor.
According to the governor, the long-term vision is to position Rivers State as a leading manufacturing hub in Southern Nigeria through strategic public-private partnerships.
Governor Fubara also commended Shell Nigeria Gas and MAN for sustaining engagements geared towards improving industrial energy access, noting that gas infrastructure development remains central to the state’s economic recovery plans.
He further observed that the gas sector presents enormous opportunities for economic growth, especially as global energy systems continue to shift towards cleaner energy sources.
The governor called on stakeholders to work collectively towards developing a practical and sustainable gas framework capable of supporting the state’s industrial and energy development objectives.
By; Kevin Nengia
Rivers State Deputy Governor, Prof. Ngozi Nma Odu, has charged newlywed couples to build their marriages on the virtues of love and submission as taught in the Word of God.
Prof. Odu gave the charge at the wedding ceremony of Amblessed Favour Sunny-Cookey and Samson Jesuganji at Lifegate Power Ministries, Dominion Cathedral, in Port Harcourt on Saturday, 16th May 2026.
The Deputy Governor congratulated the couple on beginning a new phase of life together and prayed for God’s blessings upon their union, noting that the couple had been raised by godly parents and encouraged them to uphold the Christian values instilled in them.
Referring to the sermon delivered during the ceremony, Prof. Odu emphasized that the principles of love and submission remain fundamental to a successful marriage.
According to her, genuine love reflects the nature of God, stressing that love should remain the foundation of the couple’s relationship as they journey through life together.
Prof. Odu further prayed for enduring peace, happiness, and progress in the home, expressing confidence that the marriage would continue to flourish under God’s guidance.
The Deputy Governor also commended the families of the couple for their support and upbringing, while urging the newlyweds to always remember the significance of the day and the commitment they had made before God and witnesses.
In his sermon at the wedding, the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Salvation Ministries, Pastor David Ibiyeomie, stated that marriage did not originate from Western culture, traditions, or human ideas, but from God, whom he described as the “manufacturer” of marriage.
According to the cleric, couples seeking lasting and peaceful homes must rely on biblical principles rather than societal trends or assumptions.
He explained that many marital crises and rising divorce rates stem from ignorance and failure to apply scriptural teachings in family life.
Drawing from the biblical parable of building a house on a rock, Pastor Ibiyeomie said the Word of God remains the only solid foundation capable of sustaining marriages through challenges and difficult times.
He noted that marriage naturally comes with unexpected realities and pressures, stressing that religious ceremonies or cultural practices alone are not enough to sustain a home without proper understanding of God’s instructions.
The pastor further warned that ignorance of scripture remains one of the greatest weapons against believers, urging Christians to study and practice the Word of God rather than merely attending church services.
It would be recalled that the bride is the daughter of Pastor Sunny Cookey the Founder and Presiding Pastor of Lifegate Ministries. The Ceremony had lots of Ministers in attendance which includes Apostle Zilly Aggrey, Pastor George Izunwa, and Bishop Winston Iwo