FG, US In Anti-Graft, Terrorism Talks …As Kerry Visits Abuja

As the United States Secretary of State, John Kerry leads US Government and security officials on a two-day visit to Nigeria, tomorrow, a number of thorny issues, including the Federal Government’s counter-terrorism efforts and war against Boko Haram in the North-East, and fight against corruption, will be top on the agenda of discussions with the Nigerian Government.
During the visit, Kerry will meet President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.
A statement by the US Embassy in Abuja, made available to The Tide, indicated that the President would lead top level discussions with the US Government delegation, emphasising that the parley would focus on “counterterrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, the fight against corruption, and human rights issues.”
The statement noted that while in Abuja, the US secretary of state will meet with a group of adolescent girls working to change community perceptions that devalue the role of girls in society, and will devote time to also meet with northern governors and religious leaders.
According to statement, Kerry will also travel to Sokoto, the Sokoto State capital, where he will deliver a speech on the importance of resilient communities and religious tolerance in countering violent extremism.
The US delegation, which will depart Nigeria on Wednesday, will head to Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, for a series of meetings with senior Saudi leaders.
He will also meet his counterparts from the Gulf Cooperation Council, the United Kingdom, and the United Nations Special Envoy for Yemen, and discuss issues focusing on the ongoing conflict in Yemen and efforts to restore peace and stability.
Kerry and the leaders will further discuss the region’s most pressing challenges, including Syria and the global effort to counter Da’esh and violent extremism.
The statement explained that today, Kerry and the US Government team will arrive Nairobi, Kenya, to meet with President Kenyatta to discuss regional security issues and counterterrorism cooperation, as well as bilateral issues.
“Kerry will also meet with Kenyan Foreign Minister, Amina Mohamed, and other regional foreign ministers to discuss key challenges in East Africa, including the prospects for resumption of a political process in South Sudan and support to Somalia’s political transition and ongoing fight against al-Shabaab.
“He will have the opportunity to meet with participants of the Young African Leaders Initiative and the Mandela Washington Fellows programs,” the statement added.

Nelson Chukwudi