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Sunday, July 3, 2016

Change won’t happen overnight in Nigeria — US diplomat

Outgoing Public Affairs Officer at the United States Embassy in Nigeria, Dehab Ghebreab, tells BAYO AKINLOYE that Nigeria can survive the current tough situation it faces if the Federal Government improves on security and its fight against corruption
what will you say are the highlights of your time in Nigeria?

I have been in Lagos now almost four years – and my first assignment in Nigeria was in Abuja, between 2001 and 2005. I feel wonderful; I started my Foreign Service assignment in Abuja and I am closing my Foreign Service assignment in Lagos. And I really feel that I have learnt a lot; I had travelled to all the 17 states in the Lagos Consulate district.

When I was in Abuja I travelled to some of the states in the North. I feel that I know quite a lot about Nigeria. I have met a lot of people, whose friendship I will continue to nurture after leaving Nigeria. I am really hopeful that maybe I will come visit at some point. So, this is not over.

The Nigeria-United States bilateral relations date back to 1960 when Nigeria gained independence. In the last four years, what will you say is the US’ focus in Nigeria?

In the last three years, I think supporting Nigeria and strengthening democratic institutions was a priority – and continues to be a priority. And, with the 2015 elections, the (US) Mission (in Nigeria) really played a role in helping the civil society understand peaceful and free elections – and including the politicians. We played a central role – and in capacity building. In my office in particular (Public Affairs Section of the US Consulate General in Lagos), we worked to increase the awareness of constructive participation in the electoral process. When it comes to young people, we did a lot of media training on reporting elections; in learning how to be objective and not being carried away by regional tendencies. Thus, that was a priority. Right now, we are looking at economic growth; we are looking at how to help Nigeria sort out the various conflicts that exist and at the same time work with the civil society to strengthen them so that they can play a constructive role in the governance of the country.
Recently too, your government has been investing in Nigerian youths. What informed this drive to empower the youths?

Our focus on young people is not only in Africa. It is in the United States as well; it is across the globe because young people are the backbone of any society – including Nigeria. And you know young people can develop a country or cause some problems if they are not engaged constructively. And so, it is important to focus on capacity building of young people and develop their leadership. This is what the United States government is doing through the Humphrey fellowship, Fulbright programme, the International Visitor Leadership programme. All of those programmes are fantastic initiatives. But the newest (of such programmes) is the Mandela Fellowship Programme which is President (Barack) Obama’s initiative. President Obama was a community organiser when he was young. So, he played a role; he looked around in Chicago and worked with the community to see how they could address various issues to educate them; to hold their elected officials accountable. When he talks about young people, I think he refers to that experience as well. Therefore, the Mandela Fellowship Washington Programme has three parts; one is for entrepreneurs and then civil society and public service. And if you look at that it is very deliberate because we need all those areas; people with the right knowledge and skills to really help the country move forward. You know, public service is governance. You need policy makers, leadership in civil society – without the people ensuring that they hold their government accountable, it is not going to work out and then you have entrepreneurs for economic growth; they are connected. That is the reason we have the three thrusts.

As regards corruption and ineffective judicial system, a case in point is that of bribery allegation involving a former US lawmaker, William Jefferson, and some Nigerian officials. While Jefferson is serving a jail term, not a single Nigerian official has been prosecuted. How does this affect doing business in Nigeria?
When international investors look at the country to invest in, they want to look at all the elements that support successful businesses and as you mentioned, power is critical; rule of law is also very important. Without these, it is difficult to succeed in business.

In my three years here (at the US Consulate General in Lagos), I have seen business leaders come into Nigeria to consider which sector they should invest in. they are considering health, information and communication technology, oil and gas sectors. Most of the investment in Nigeria now, including the $8.1 billion US private investment, is in the oil and gas sector. The government of Nigeria and the people of Nigeria have to look at what is preventing foreign investment from coming into Nigeria. Everything is competitive; obviously, Nigeria has an advantage because of its population and it is the largest market on the African continent. There are a lot of opportunities here and we hear from businesses that those investors are already here. They know things are going to get better. And there are other businesses which are waiting to see whether they should come in now or wait a bit longer. Thus, it will depend on many factors; the most important is security, then corruption –we are seeing the anti-corruption fight going on and the US government is supporting the efforts (of President Muhammadu Buhari administration) through various mechanisms, consultancy and expertise on providing security and law enforcement. It must be stated that things do not happen overnight. Thus, we have to give it (anti-corruption crusade and security) time. The Nigerian people have to look at what it is that they want; how do they change the situation so that it benefits the whole country? You know the challenges are great in the face of plunging oil prices and other market forces. It is a tough time now, but change is possible if people come together (and work) with the government and move the country in the right direction.
There was a report in the media that the US government deported more than 30 Nigerians. Why were they deported?

I cannot talk about this issue because, firstly, it is private, confidential information. And secondly, it is better if you get the information from the Nigerian law enforcement authorities who know more about the situation than I do.

But these ones were deported by the US government; it is a not case of the Nigerian government requesting for their extradition.

What I can tell you is to go to the US Department of Homeland Security website and look at whatever information they have or contact them so that they can give you the information you need. I do not have those details.

Is it true that members of Indigenous People of Biafra are seeking asylum in the US and how does your government view this group clamouring for secession from Nigeria?

The US government’s position on this is that we support efforts being made by the Nigerian government – and Nigerian government, at federal level and state level and Nigerian people have to come together and try to understand what the issues are and look at the grievances and find solutions to the issues that exist. Dialogue is important; violence does not contribute to peace. But constructive dialogues that bring people together are genuine.
Is the US willing to grant asylum to IPOB members if it is approached?

I cannot comment on that. I do not know anything about that.
Three Nigerian lawmakers accused by the US of sexual misconducts have threatened to sue the US government if it does not provide evidence of sex allegations against them. Did the US Embassy in Nigeria expect the situation to degenerate to a public spat?

Again, this is a private diplomatic correspondence between (US) Ambassador (James) Entwistle and the Speaker of the House (of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara). I really cannot comment on that.
Was there ever a time the US Mission in Nigeria sponsored Nigerians for a programme in the US and a case like this occurred?
I am not aware of anything like that. I do not know of any case that existed prior to this one.
Some people see the US support for Nigeria in the fight against Boko Haram as being half-hearted, following the US’ refusal to sell fighter jets to the Nigerian military; any update about your government selling warplanes to Nigeria?

What I can tell you is that it is a high priority for the US government to support Nigeria so that it will succeed in defeating Boko Haram; so that the people in the North-East can live peaceful and prosperous life. And we are doing two things to support Nigeria in this area.

Number one, is providing expertise, training and sharing intelligence with the Nigerian government, Nigerian military; making sure they are supported and that they have information and that they have the skills to tackle terrorists. And, it is based on our many years of experience of fighting terrorists in Iraq, Afghanistan, and in Libya as well. In terms of supporting the people in the region, we are investing through the United States Agency for International Development, $173 million initial support for the Internally Displaced Persons – this is through various projects working with the Federal and state governments. Some of the fund is to help with the transition for the IDPs when they go back to their communities. Also, it is to strengthen the governance system in the North-East, so that after the strife and conflicts, elected officials can win people over and work with them to address issues that affect their communities; that is the role that elected officials should be playing.

How will the US government react to corruption allegations over aids meant for the IDPs, having in mind a violent clash between the some members Nigerian Army and their Nigeria Police Force counterparts on Thursday over bags of rice meant for victims of Boko Haram?

This is a good area for you to investigate and follow the story to get to the bottom of the issue. Sometimes, there are allegations and nothing comes out of them and there are reports and nothing comes out of those reports. I encourage you to follow up these issues.

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