US Government To Synergies With Nigeria Government Over Incessant Communal Attack In Benue, Nasarawa And Plateau By Rabiu Omaku, Lafia
The United state of America in an effort to halve the lingering ethnic and communal conflict that ravage the north-central zone of the country has taken a bold steps towards curbing the untimely killings in Benue, Nasarawa and Plateau state.
U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle stated this in Lafia when he paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Nasarawa state, Umaru Tanko Al-Makura at the Shendam road Government House, The Ambassador averred that the visit was in continuation of the tour of middle belt.
He unveiled that the aim of the visit was to interact with the people of the trouble zone of the north-central, to learn more about the security issues in the region, and to share the United States wishes for serene elections in 2015.
He further said the United State Government will give impetus to the issues of Good Governance, Development opportunities and a better future for Nigeria, Ambassador James emphasized on the significance of U.S –Nigeria mutual correlation in the area of trade, economics, democracy, Health.
Other sectors of intervention are partnering Nigeria on security which has to do with nation building and reconciliation, as well the education sector, He buttress that the 2015 election will be an important test for Nigeria and urged politicians ,the media ,and individual Nigerians to make a pledge that they will not advocate ,support or condone violence during and after election.
Speaking on the issue of 2015 general election, James said the United State will lend its support to Nigeria’s efforts but will not dictate to Nigeria, The Ambassador further opine that ,”Nigeria has great potential, Your diversity should be a source of vigor ,not strive ,people must learn to endure and get along with each other.
Ambassador James Entwistle said the United State will support efforts aim at promoting tolerance and assist both Government and civil society to promote transparency and accountability, engage unemployed youths most at risk of radicalization or recruitment into violent extremist or political groups, strengthen media and support national and Local elections ,The Ambassador earlier visited Makurdi,The Benue state capital and will also visit ,Jos which was among the ravage states of the middle belt
Governor Umaru Tanko Al-Makura while responding on the visit commended the Government of United state of America, Adding that the visit will strengthen relationship that exist between U.S,Nigeria and Nasarawa state Government.
The Governor also applauded the concerted effort of U.S Government in supporting Nasarawa state in the fight against Hiv/Aids, saying the collaboration is of ultimate benefit to the people of Nasarawa state, He in addition called on the U.S Government to invest in Nasarawa state especially in real estate business.
He also sue for a synergy between U.S Government and Nigeria Government in the area of election, “hoping that U.S help nurture and support democratic processes in the country, The Governor also pledge for the intervention of U.S in the education sector.
“Nasarawa state Government is collaborating with Galaxy University for the deaf in the United State of America, This collaboration furthermore coerces us to establish special schools for the deaf in the three senatorial district of the state.
The Governor attributed the unabated pastoral nomad/Farmers clash to the harsh climate in the north, saying not coercion, power or vengeance will end this imbroglio rather peace talk will serves as a catalyst for peace among the diverse ethnic groups.
