Acting President Goodluck Jonathan has urged President Barack Obama to revisit the classification of Nigeria by the United States as a “country of interest” on the terror list following the botched Christmas day bombing of an American aircraft by a Nigerian, Umar Farouk AbdulMutallab.
The acting president’s message was conveyed by Nigeria's new Ambassador to the US, Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, while presenting his leter of credence to President Obama at the White House, Washington DC yesterday.


Adefuye, who noted that the incident of December 25, 2009 is condemnable and had been condemned several times by Nigeria, said he had been asked by Acting President Jonathan "to again convey Nigeria’s shock at this and urge you to revisit this issue as soon as possible".
The ambassador said: “This event, serious as it is, is a one-off incident and ought not to have warranted the classification of Nigeria as a country of interest in the fight against terrorism."
Speaking further, the envoy said: "On our part, we promise our continued cooperation with United States institutions in the fight against terrorism while pledging to sustain ongoing efforts in Nigeria aimed at effectively preventing terrorist networks from operating within our borders as well as West African region."


While noting that US is one of Nigeria's closest allies and a country which has identified with the nation at all times,  Adefuye  said: "Indeed, the history of Nigeria’s 50 years of statehood will be incomplete without a mention of the proactive role of the United States in supporting us in our quest for sustainable political stability and economic development. The United States’ interest in our economic and political well-being has been one of the critical factors for the progress recorded in our effort to consolidate our democracy and deliver its dividends to the people of the country."


He said these underscored the uniqueness of the relationship between the two countries. Justifying the basis for continued cordial bilateral relationship between Nigeria and the US, Adefuye said  both countries command influence and respect in the comity of nations; they are endowed with enormous human and natural resources; both countries are made of people from different backgrounds and cultures found in different parts of the world and out which have emerged a large Diaspora population; and because "both countries represent how strong nation-states can emerge out of pluralised subsets due to the spirit of equity, tolerance and determination”.


He said as a leader in the African continent, Nigeria has consistently worked with the US in protecting and promoting sustainable global peace and security and that the country is proud of her immense contributions to United Nations peace keeping activities.
"This factor has helped in fostering peace and sustainable development in the African continent and has contributed significantly to international peace. An estimated one million Nigerians and Nigerian-Americans live, study, and work in the United States, while over 25,000 Americans live and work in Nigeria. These populations have played tremendous roles in enhancing social and economic co-existence for both countries. They have further cemented our relationship by their contribution to sustainable economic and social development in our two countries," he said.


Taking the American president down memory lane, Adefuye said: "Nigeria is known as a notable supporter of ideas and ideals championed by the United States at international fora, toward contributing to sustainable development in the world. The government and people of the Federal Republic of Nigeria acknowledges the tremendous contributions made by the United States towards supporting Nigeria in the entrenchment of sustainable regional security in West Africa.


“We also acknowledge United States’ support in our fight against corruption and economic crimes; public health development; support for infrastructural development; capacity building in the oil sector; support for strengthening democratic institutions and counter-terrorism initiatives among others. The Federal Republic of Nigeria requests that these initiatives be sustained and even increased in the following years. We look forward to the successful implementation of the objectives of the Nigeria-United States Bi-National Commission that will be launched in a couple of days.”
The envoy who said the acting president also asked him to convene Nigeria's gratitude to the US for its continued support for the nation's democracy, especially during the absence of President Umaru Musa Yar'Adua due to ill-health, said Nigeria looks  forward to sustained cordial relationship between the two countries.


In his response, President Obama said the US is encouraged by the acting president’s public promises to strengthen democratic reforms, improve the economic environment, and address the ongoing violence and impunity seen in the Niger Delta and Jos.
Commenting on the political situation in Nigeria, he observed that  “the prolonged absence of President Yar’Adua has triggered much uncertainty in the country”, but said “in this difficult time, we applaud Nigeria for taking  steps to restore confidence in the country’s political system while adhering to democratic principles”.


Obama said Nigeria has important role to play as a regional and global leader and that Nigeria and US “must continue our efforts to fight terrorism and violent extremism so as to make West Africa a safer place.”
He also said Nigeria’s participation in peace-keeping efforts on the continent has helped to stabilise “once troubled regions and allow the people who suffered in those conflicts a chance to rebuild their lives”.
The American leader said Nigeria and  US have a tradition of positive bilateral relations based on a mutual commitment to development and peace, adding that “the upcoming launch of the US  Nigeria binational commision illustrates our desire to further enhance this relationship”.

http://www.thisdayonline.com/nview.php?id=169792


Source; This day

Are we not terrorist? Make una leave Obama jare

shut up. we are not terrorist

Region:

shut up. we are not terrorist

No need to ask people to shut up, just debate . . . .give a reason why you think Nigeria shd not be on the list

tamper not with that list!

As long as the Islamification (and strong ties to Sharia law) continues, Nigeria should and will remain on the list. Don't let this become a North v. South, Muslim v. Christian issue as the enemy is the small (albeit vocal) minority causing the problem. I have to get to the airport 2 hours early just to get through security for a flight that takes 45 minutes and that's bull. Unfortunately, that little punk born with a silver spoon in his mouth made life more difficult for everyone.

otukpo:

It is the Northern Nigeria dt shld be labelled terrorist region.

Thank you for this comment,

otukpo:

It is the Northern Nigeria dt shld be labelled terrorist region.

The last time i checked, they are nigerian still.

Calling us terrorist nation is an understatement, we're more than a terrorist

So long as our president comes from north, nigeria will remain in the  terrorist list of United State.


Thats why Gaddafi's sujestion is good, seperate this terrorist people from real human beings

Echidime:

So long as our president comes from north, nigeria will remain in the  terrorist list of United State.


Thats why Gaddafi's sujestion is good, seperate this terrorist people from real human beings

That is so untrue.

Fhemmmy:

That is so untrue.

No, actually, it isn't. Do you really think the world doesn't know about Nigeria's history? Do you think that the US wasn't present when Bello and other Northerners attacked Akunyili? Of course they were. That's one of the main reasons for diplomatic missions abroad; to have someone on the scene to give first-hand reports. Nigeria continues to have very close ties to the Arab Muslim world and even has the impression abroad of being a Muslim country (I was shocked to see this in a college textbook). As long as Islam has such a strong hold on Nigeria, they will remain on the list. As long as a Northerner (unless they are a devout Christian) is in power, Nigeria remains on the list. Being politically correct or having bruised feelings doesn't change that fact.

Travelista:

No, actually, it isn't. Do you really think the world doesn't know about Nigeria's history? Do you think that the US wasn't present when Bello and other Northerners attacked Akunyili? Of course they were. That's one of the main reasons for diplomatic missions abroad; to have someone on the scene to give first-hand reports. Nigeria continues to have very close ties to the Arab Muslim world and even has the impression abroad of being a Muslim country (I was shocked to see this in a college textbook). As long as Islam has such a strong hold on Nigeria, they will remain on the list. As long as a Northerner (unless they are a devout Christian) is in power, Nigeria remains on the list. Being politically correct or having bruised feelings doesn't change that fact.

Yes, the world knows all about Nigerian history, even more than we Nigerians do, however, they are not listing Nigeria on the Terrorist list cos our president was from the North, so now that we have Jonathan, how come we still on the list.
Also, there are Christians from the North, so it is not about the religion not the geographical location, but the mind of the people.
Even if Nigerian President is from the east, we will still be on the list as a terrorism state, dont have to be terrorist cos of bombing and all that, but we cld be terrorist of fraud and that is so pathetic as well

Fhemmmy:

Yes, the world knows all about Nigerian history, even more than we Nigerians do, however, they are not listing Nigeria on the Terrorist list cos our president was from the North, so now that we have Jonathan, how come we still on the list.
Also, there are Christians from the North, so it is not about the religion not the geographical location, but the mind of the people.
Even if Nigerian President is from the east, we will still be on the list as a terrorism state, dont have to be terrorist cos of bombing and all that, but we cld be terrorist of fraud and that is so pathetic as well

What don't you understand about Nigeria, Islamification, Sharia law and continued ties to the Middle East? Even with Jonathan as President, he's surrounded by peope that have many (if not all) of the above attributes. Unless Nigeria is able to slow the Islamic tide, Nigeria remains on the list. No ifs, ands or buts. Nigeria has been on unofficial watch lists for years, especially with Sharia law trumping federal mandates; it just took that failure of a slowpoke to actually to put Nigeria on an official list. This isn't an issue of removing Northerners and/or Muslims from government but breaking their ties (and blatant allegiance) to extreme doctrines and foreign governments.

I do agree that with Jonathan as the head and all the ties and all that.
The fact of the matter is that, it is not being from North, not south, it is the terrible leadership that we have had and we continue to have.
Till we produce a leader that really and truly wanna serve the land and the people, no show.
A leader that will arrest and prosecute, even if it will cost him his job or life.
A leader that is not about winning the next election.
A leader that will deal with his own clan if they are standing in the way of progress for the nation.

Also, 419 doesn't land a COUNTRY on a terror list; the US goes after the individuals responsible. Most of us get those scam e-mails and laugh them off; if an American is stupid enough to actually send out money, they open themselves up to criminal investigation if they were partaking in the laundering of funds (especially government money). That's what has placed the rapper Eve in a pot of hot water but the issue isn't about fraud or getting pooped by the feds, so let me stop going off topic.

Read me well, i never said, 419 lands Nigeria on the terrorism list . . . just telling you how much of a bad name we got out there . . .we have held the world to a halt with fraud

Fhemmmy:

I do agree that with Jonathan as the head and all the ties and all that.
The fact of the matter is that, it is not being from North, not south, it is the terrible leadership that we have had and we continue to have.
[B]Till we produce a leader that really and truly wanna serve the land and the people, no show.
A leader that will arrest and prosecute, even if it will cost him his job or life.
A leader that is not about winning the next election.
A leader that will deal with his own clan if they are standing in the way of progress for the nation.[/b]

Idealism is wonderful but I can't think of one place that has ever had such a leader; the US doesn't even have that in Obama and I'm a supporter! All politicians are human beings that have vast wealth at their disposal with the simple stroke of a pen; it's not about being corrupt as they all are to some extent. As long as they get the work done, much can be overlooked. One thing that plagues Nigeria is the stealing without accomplishing anything; who would even notice a politician's account if there was constant light or public schools that didn't adjourn for months at a time?

As for the terrorism thing, it is what it is. As long as Nigeria continues public allegiance to Islam (hence putting them at odds with Israel), they will remain on the list. I hate even thinking it but oil also plays into things but let's not put the cart before the horse.

Travelista:

Idealism is wonderful but I can't think of one place that has ever had such a leader; the US doesn't even have that in Obama and I'm a supporter! All politicians are human beings that have vast wealth at their disposal with the simple stroke of a pen; it's not about being corrupt as they all are to some extent. As long as they get the work done, much can be overlooked. One thing that plagues Nigeria is the stealing without accomplishing anything; who would even notice a politician's account if there was constant light or public schools that didn't adjourn for months at a time?

As for the terrorism thing, it is what it is. As long as Nigeria continues public allegiance to Islam (hence putting them at odds with Israel), they will remain on the list. I hate even thinking it but oil also plays into things but let's not put the cart before the horse.

No comment on that one . . . .

NIGERIA DESERVES TO BE ON THE TERRORIST LIST 100%
WHAT IS HAPPENING IN JOS IS MORE THAN TERRORISM
WHETHER EXTENAL OR INTERNAL TERRORISM, "ALL JOIN"

^^^ What is the solution?

yo johhny berra pick some lessons on strong arm diplomacy from gaddafi

^^ Lol

In as much that am against the terrorist watch list, I do support placing 9ja on it till we get our act together.  the recent happenings in Jos further compound our extremist issue on radicalism.

alanbolo:

In as much that am against the terrorist watch list, I do support placing 9ja on it till we get our act together.  the recent happenings in Jos further compound our extremist issue on radicalism.

Ummmmm

Any Nigerian that bears a Muslim name should be labeled a terrorist. All the Nigerians with indigenous names should not be looked at.

EzeUche:

Any Nigerian that bears a Muslim name should be labeled a terrorist. All the Nigerians with indigenous names should not be looked at.

I have some gentle muslim frnds that must not be labelled terrorist for any reason.

Travelista:

No, actually, it isn't. Do you really think the world doesn't know about Nigeria's history? Do you think that the US wasn't present when Bello and other Northerners attacked Akunyili? Of course they were. That's one of the main reasons for diplomatic missions abroad; to have someone on the scene to give first-hand reports.

What has that to do with terrorism? Please stop making USELESS connections just so as to score some meaningless BROWNIE point in this. I am so glad the US is not as VAIN as to connect that to what you are trying to here.

Travelista:

Nigeria continues to have very close ties to the Arab Muslim world and even has the impression abroad of being a Muslim country (I was shocked to see this in a college textbook). As long as Islam has such a strong hold on Nigeria, they will remain on the list. As long as a Northerner (unless they are a devout Christian) is in power, Nigeria remains on the list. Being politically correct or having bruised feelings doesn't change that fact.

There are many other Islamic nations out there with Next to no ties to terrorism. Let us start dealing with issues as they really should rather than cooking up theories and conspiracies that continue to handicap our mentality year to year. Nigeria is on the terrorist list because we have terrorists living with our borders, most of who are celebrated. We have MEND, and then the Islam-fascists in the North who are easily rallied by greedy politicians by simple text messages. We also have the lapse security situation in our country, and a volatile political environment. If that is not enough reason for any one country to ensure its citizens are at alert, even the ordinary Nigerian to live in fear, I don’t know what else is. What has MEND to do with Islam? Nothing! I am not absolving Islam in anyway but there are VALID reasons for Nigeria being on that list.

Only a couple of weeks ago, we watched as over 500 were butchered in cold blood, and our President is instead interested in demanding Nigeria be removed from the list rather than dealing with the security situation and SHOWING that we are not terrorists, and here I am thinking common sense was common.

lol Im laughing because people think they are discriminating against northerners or muslim Nigerian only-

and its sooo not true because my dad was at the airport and they still checked him - mind you his  first and last name arent muslim, yoruba or any indigenous african name. He has an english first name and a portuguese surname with an american passport.- that didnt stop them from lookng at him as a black man coming from Nigeria- the "terrorist" country.

and my aunt from asaba had to throw away all the food she wanted to bring to america- before they let her board the plane.

nigeria should remain on the list - nigeria is a terrorist state (financial terror i.e. 419, aircraft terror as well as internal self terror as in Jos). Al Quaeda recently pledged support for Jos muslims in fight against christians.