Northern Governors’ Visit To The US Has Elicited Reactions From Some Nigerians

The governors visited for a three-day symposium organised by the United States Institute of Peace (USIP).
The symposium, which ends on Wednesday, October 19, has in attendance Governors Shettima (Borno), Aminu Tambuwal (Sokoto), Darius Ishaku (Taraba), Abdulfatah Ahmed (Kwara), AbdulAziz Yari (Zamfara), Bindo Jibrilla (Adamawa), Muhammad Abubakar (Bauchi), Abubakar Sani Bello (Niger) and Deputy Governor of Kano state, Professor Hafiz Abubakar, representing Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje.
Governors of Plateau, Zamfara, Adamawa and Borno states, as well as Interior Minister, Major-Gen. AbdulRahman Dambazzau took part in panel discussions that also featured US government officials.
Some Nigerians who commented on the post shared by the US embassy in Nigeria expressed disappointment that only northern governors were invited.
Celestine Chidi Emmanuel wrote: “It is evidently clear the U.S government under Obama is trying to destroy and disintegrate a geographical entity called Nigeria, through her persistent carnival.”
Ekene Orabueze wrote: “They know the kind of so called governors that fall as a prey not Anambra state because they will turn USA scam ideology to their own favour. Keep on fooling Northerner people we dey watch.”
Ernest Idoko wrote: “Keep corrupting and “puppeting ” our leaders.”
In a statement by the embassy, it noted that the meeting was necessary to discuss security issues in the region:
National Security Advisor Susan E. Rice met today with a group of governors representing states in Nigeria’s north and middle belt to discuss issues of strategic significance to the United States and Nigeria. They discussed the importance of strong and inclusive governance as the region works to confront security threats, including from Boko Haram—now known as ISIL’s West Africa Province—and from clashes among ethnic, religious, and other groups in Nigeria. They also discussed how to strengthen collaboration on a faster and more effective response to the humanitarian crisis in northeast Nigeria as well as the importance of meeting the needs of the internally displaced and their host-communities.
Finally, the group exchanged ideas for strengthening Nigeria’s economy and creating educational and employment opportunities for the millions of young people eager to contribute to the region’s growth. Ambassador Rice underscored the United States’ strong partnership with Nigeria at every level of government and deep and longstanding support for the Nigerian people.

Naij