So far, president Mohammadu Buhari has enjoyed a warm welcome by the White House. He has even been praised by the US president, Barack Obama for his moves so far in consolidating the gains of democracy after Nigeria’s democratic transition.
In many ways Obama expressed appreciation to the country demonstrated commitment to democracy especially as shown during the recent elections that brought in Buhari as president.
Though Obama will not be visiting Nigeria, Africa’s largest economy and the most populous country on the continent during his next scheduled economic tour of the continent, the US president was still full of praise for the country, especially for what he called their understanding that only a peaceful political process can bring about change.
Obama’s visit will cover only Kenya and Ethiopia.
“President Buhari comes into office with a reputation for integrity and a very clear agenda,” he said.
“And that is to make sure that he is bringing safety and security and peace to his country.”
Responding to the high praises he received, Buhari thanked Obama, ascribing a part of the country’s successful transition to the US.
“It was the pressure mounted on the past administration by th US that helped ensure the elections were free, fair and credible,” Buhari said.
“We will ever be grateful.”
However, what Buhari would be looking for during this visit it to consolidate Nigeria’s failing ties with the US.
He would also be trying to get help in tracking and returning millions of dollars loots stashed away in the US by corrupt elements in the country.
Mainly, Buhari will be requesting America’s help in reinforcing his country’s military in prosecuting the war against the Boko Haram insurgency that has resulted in the deaths of at least 15,000 people and displaced 1.6 million.
Since 2009 the group has been trying to establish an Islamic state in northeast Nigeria.
During the last administration in Nigeria, the US had banned the transfer of weapons to Nigeria, following claims of rights abuses and atrocities by both the country’s military and the insurgents.
This had seriously affected the advancement of the soldiers, while giving the insurgents the upper hand.
For example the Obama administration last year blocked the sale of Cobra attack helicopters to Nigeria, hampering cooperation amid efforts to find the hundreds of still-missing kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls.
But since Buhari took over power on 29th May, he has displayed the will to address the alleged issues in the army.
Earlier this month Buhari changed the country’s service chiefs and national security adviser, proving his intention to sanitise the country’s military.
Buhari’s moves, if seen through would strategically place Nigeria in the position of an outstanding role model for developing countries around the world, Obama observed.
In all, Obama has displayed his readiness to help the oil-rich African giant in every way possible without hindering the country’s integrity while also not complicating issues already on ground.
