Nigeria's Jonathan Meets Obama For Talks
As the leaders of Nigeria and the United States of America meet today, September 23, 2013, it is expected that they will discuss the upcoming 2015 elections in Nigeria, Boko Haram issues, as well as a number of other security topics.
Specifically, the Nigerian President and his American counterpart are set to discuss preparations for 2015 elections in Nigeria -- the subject that has already caused a lit of heated discussions, the country's internal struggle with Boko Haram militants along with the declared state of emergency in the three northern states, as well as the controversial situation regarding the recently split People's Democratic Party (PDP), along with several other political struggles in the country.
Other issues that may come up at the Obama-Jonathan discussion are America's new signature development initiative, Power Africa, and the potential co-operation with Nigeria on the initiative. In addition, the leaders will also review Nigeria's participation in the President's Young African Leaders initiative, as well as co-operation of the security forces.
Jonathan and his delegation arrived in New York's JFK International Airport in the early hours of yesterday to hold the talks at the White House and at the United Nations (UN).
Nigerian President is expected to remain in the States until Wednesday, as he addresses the yearly opening debate of the UN General Assembly on Tuesday.
According to the White House officials, Nigeria is an important partner of the U.S. in Africa. On his part, Nigeria's Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye, said the meeting proves there still are strong ties between Nigeria and the U.S., despite Obama missing Nigeria in his visit to African countries earlier this year.
After talks with Obama, Jonathan will head to the New York Stock Exchange where he will meet with Hedge Fund managers to discuss possible U.S. and foreign investments in Nigeria's power, petroleum and agricultural sectors. Afterwards, the Nigerian president will be honoured with the ringing of the closing bell at the NY Stock Exchange, an activity beamed globally in the media, including live on several TV stations in the U.S. and abroad.
Meanwhile, in an open letter to the President, the Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) has advised President Goodluck Jonathan not to simply take photos, but to use the opportunity to prove the world that Nigeria is serious about tackling corruption.
PDM national chairman Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim said his party believes the administration needs help to recover the stature of Nigeria as a leading player in world affairs and in Africa.
As one the ways to show Nigeria's serious focus on fighting corruption, the party suggests Jonathan to immediately reverse the pardon given former Bayelsa State governor Diepreye Alamieyeseigha.
"Before you meet President Obama in New York, it would do Nigeria a world of good if you would reverse that pardon and then, when you meet him, renew the commitment of your government to a genuine fight against corruption beyond meaningless media sound bites," the statement reads.
Source: Legit.ng
