US congressman, Darell Issah who
led a delegation of the Judicial Committee, made the disclosure after a meeting
with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Alhaji Aliyu Ismaila, the
Chief of Defence Staff, Major General Olonishakin, and Service Chiefs of Army,
Navy and Air Force and Commandant of the National Defence College, Rear Admiral
Agholor.
Issah said, the restriction under ‘Leahy
Law’ on Nigeria by the United states followed allegations of human rights abuses by the Nigerian military in
the fight against terrorism.
In his words, “There were a number of
things that were discussed at the meeting but basically the need for additional
technical support including overhead surveillance. This was discussed because
it is important in the fight against Boko Haram... This is because of the trust in the
new regime which has began the process of ensuring that the military’s
professionalism in the battle field is made in a way that we all can be
confident that the rule of law is followed... Following this development, we have
began the process of lifting restriction under the Leahy Law but the vast
majority of the support U.S. provides will be given regardless of the
restrictions... We are looking forward to
working with the President and the military to rebuild the confidence of the
people of Nigeria in the professionalism of the military... To make the military something that
the people will rely on as the nation tries to clear insurgents and protect the
civilians; that is important to the new president of Nigeria, our president and
it is also important to the congress.... But we are looking forward to a
great difference in the relationship, a proactive relationship and one in which
we can provide a greater level of support.”
On his part, the Permanent Secretary,
Ministry of Defence, Mr Ismaila Aliyu, said, “The U.S. believes in
Nigeria, they have trust and confidence in Nigeria, that is why they are here... On the issue of human rights, the
U.S. is pleased with what we have been doing in recent times to address the
gaps that may have existed in the past... This visit is a follow up to Mr
President’s visit to the U.S., we have said it and will continue to state that
the visit was of great benefit to Nigeria, it has rekindled confidence in the
relations between the two countries.”
We hope this mutual relationship continues to grow between North America's biggest and Africa's biggest.
