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| Buhari (C), Osinbajo and the delegation from the US congress judicial committee |
United States congressman
Darrel Issah says the US government will soon relax or completely lift the
restriction on military assistance imposed on Nigeria under the Leahy Law. The Leahy Law is a US
human rights law that prohibits the US Department of State and Department of
Defence from providing military assistance to foreign military units that
allegedly violate human rights with impunity. Issah dropped the hint while
fielding questions from journalists shortly after meeting with service chiefs
and officials of the Ministry of Defence in Abuja on Monday.
TheCable report
continues:
He said the development
was occasioned by the policy of the new military command with regards to the
ongoing military operations in the country.
“There were a number of
things that were discussed at the meeting but basically the need for additional
technical support including overhead surveillance,” he said.
“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 begun the process of ensuring that
the military’s professionalism in the battlefield is made in a way that we all
can be confident that the rule of law is followed.
“Following this
development, we have begun the process of lifting restriction under the Leahy
Law but the vast majority of the support US provides will be given regardless
of the restrictions.”
Issah said the US will
provide other forms of support that will not only boost the military’s
capabilities but will also create the environment to rebuild devastated
communities.
He said the US, through
its agencies in Nigeria, will help rebuild and rehabilitate communities and
victims of insurgency in the northeast.
“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,” he said.
“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, Ismaila Aliyu, described the visit as
a sign of the renewed confidence in Nigeria’s military on the global scene.
He said Nigeria now
enjoys a greater level of confidence and trust in the international community,
saying that it would impact positively on the nation’s efforts in repositioning
its economy.
“The US believes in
Nigeria, they have trust and confidence in Nigeria, that is why they are here,”
he said.
“On the issue of human
rights, the US 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 US. 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.”
Issah led a delegation
from the US congress judicial committee to the meeting with Nigeria’s top
ranking defence officials.
Other issues that dominated
discussions between officials of the two countries include justice reforms and
support for devastated communities.
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