The visit of President Buhari to the U.S has generated a lot of argument. It was made public that the visit was as a result of invitation by the U.S President Barrack Obama to President Buhari. The visit which commenced on 20th July was seen as an avenue to strengthen the bilateral relations between Nigeria and The United States of America. The 4 days visit had some government functionaries on the entourage. In this time of economic and insecurity crises one expects Nigerian Government to garner support from her allies to improve the state of things in the country.
It is believed that the U.S Government did not give Nigeria room for procurement of ammunitions on the ground of abuse of human rights by Nigerian soldiers. So the visit was timely to explain the situation of things despite argument and counter argument the visit was a good one. The silence of United States on the part of Boko Haram menace was immediately broken after the visit of Nigerian President Buhari. President Barrack Obama has made a strong statement to support Nigerian Government to win the war over terror of Boko Haram.
The July visit of Mr. President is yielding gradual result noticeable to the Nigerian populace. Indeed, two weeks after the visit of Mr. President of the U.S, two U.S Congress members visited the country to show solidarity and unalloyed support for Nigerian Government against Boko Haram. According to one of the Congress’ men, Boko Haram should stop the killing of innocent Nigerians. That Nigerian Government should exterminate the sect without delay. To many Nigerians, it is a welcome development to hear such statement of encouragement from the U.S congress members. It is clear that U S is ready to roll out her ammunitions for Nigerian soldiers to have a touch on them The visit has helped m no small measure to throw lights on the heinous activities of Boko Haram The bilateral relationship with the U.S must be stepped up to avoid unnecessary breach in terms of transactions between the two countries. It is not gainsaying, if one says Nigeria is a strong ally of the U.S. But for some years ago, it was observed that the relationship was going down as a result of emerging influence of other superpowers. Today in Nigeria, the citizens want the government to fight the problem of poor economy, corruption and insecurity.
The visit has also given hope on the fight against corruption. But the question is should we wait for other countries to frown at us before corruption is fought in the country? Or do we wait for other countries to release the list of corrupt Nigerians who have looted Public funds before they are prosecuted? So far, the visit was a good omen, Nigerians need to embrace patriotism; and detest tribalism and religious sentiment. This is turn, will help to prevent corruption that is precluding development of the country.
This visit alone cannot put things right if Nigerians do not work as a team to fight Boko Haram and corruption. The visit will not make any head way, if Nigerians do not put away political differences, nepotism and religious discrimination that often play out in the scheme of things in the country aside. Nigerians need leaders that frown and fight evil in the society. The Buhari’s led administration of the federal government of Nigeria can only succeed when there is synergy between the populace and the government.
The visit to the U.S by President Buhari is one thing; and the result of the visit is another. Indeed, Nigeria needs the support of the U.S government to surmount some of her internal crises. The visit has led to rest the fear of supporting gay marriage by Mr. President. The President also used the visit to declare to the President of United States of America that gay marriage is sodomy and cannot be embraced by Nigerian government. Indeed, the visit has led to rest some unfounded speculations about the new administration. ###
FRANK ENEAWAJI OGWUONUONU
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