House Meets with US over Rising Insecurity

Udora Orizu in Abuja

The House of Representatives yesterday had constructive engagements with the United States Department of State to review the relationship between both countries with specific regards on how to tackle the devastating security situation in the country.

The House delegation was led by the Chairman, House Committee on Defence, Hon. Babajimi Benson, alongside Chairman of House Committee on Army, Hon. Abdulrazak Namdas; Deputy Chairman, House Committee on National Security and Intelligence, Hon. Adejoro Adeogun, and the House Spokesperson, Hon. Benjamin Kalu.

Similarly, the US team was led by the Deputy Chief of Mission, Ms. Kathleen FitzGibbon, with Political-Military Officer, Mr. Daniel Ricci; Political Officer, Mr. Jerry Howard; Major, US Air force, Mr. John Mahaney, and Major in US Airforce, Ms. Yonca Nice.

While interacting, which lasted for two hours, the Nigerian delegation was informed of the US efforts and achievements in Nigeria in the areas of expenditures on health, human development, capacity building among others.

Speaking at the meeting, Hon. Babajimi Benson assured Nigerians that with the new arrival of the fighter jets expected from the US, the Nigerian Air force will be better equipped to fight insurgency.

He added that Nigeria’s strategic relationship with the US would add value to the country’s fight against insecurity in no distant time.

On his part, the spokesperson of the House, Hon. Benjamin Kalu, reiterated the need for the US Mission to bridge the information gap between it and Nigerians in order to raise the consciousness of Nigerians on US projects and interventions to assist Nigeria in tackling insecurity, COVID-19 pandemic and other aspects of Nigerian growth.

Kalu insisted that knowledge breeds confidence and trust, which are fundamental in sustaining Nigeria’s long existing relationship with the US recently improved by President Joe Biden.

According to him, “It appears America is doing much but speaking less, which has denied the citizens the ability to assess Nigeria’s relationship as an ally of the America.