Following the much anticipated visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the United States of America, courtesy an invitation from President, Barrack Obama, there are several questions Nigerians are demanding answers to.
Media and Publicity Adviser to the President, Femi Adesina, has highlighted that the Nigerian president’s priorities are on how to strengthen and intensify bilateral and international cooperation against terrorism in Nigeria and West Africa.
However, Vanguard has made a list of 10 questions Nigerians are asking, which should be answered on the President's trip:
1. Why, indeed, did President Barrack Obama simply not include a visit to Nigeria in his trip to Africa rather than inviting President Buhari to America?
2. Former President Goodluck Jonathan had in 2010 also visited the United States of America on the invitation of President Barrack Obama. But, nothing much changed thereafter in the two nations’ relationship. Is this history repeating itself?
3. Will President Barack Obama use this trip to state clearly what his Administration’s policy priorities for Nigeria are?
4. Will Obama use this visit to roll out not only a comprehensive strategy but also an action plan to end the rising insurgency in Nigeria’s north east?
5. Recently President Obama said America with “take direct action against terrorists and continue to also partner with nations from Afghanistan to Nigeria to build up their security forces. Will he use the opportunity of this visit to outline a Timeline. Action should speak more than words?
6. The United States reportedly refused and even blocked other nations which were willing to sell military equipment to Nigeria. What will change, now that a new administration headed by a man with impeccable anti-corruption records and who has demonstrated uncommon resolve to end insurgency in Nigeria is in charge?
7. Secretary of State John Kerry had also “pledged support for the continuing efforts by African nations to find the (Chibok) girls.” America has undoubtedly reneged on its pledge to offer all possible military assistance to bring the girls back? What will change now?
8. On 6 April 2010, America and Nigeria signed the US-Nigeria Bi-national Commission “to strengthen and deepen the partnership” between the two countries. Will this visit be an opportunity to revive this Commission as it seems it is in limbo?
9. How can President Obama make his Power Africa initiative more result-orientated in Nigeria?
10. How is America going to help Nigeria fight corruption particularly where it concerns American companies which have colluded with Nigerians to launder money?