Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari will ask parliament for extra powers for one year allowing him to take “emergency” decisions to revive the flagging economy, a government source said on Monday.
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In his remarks, President Buhari assured Nigerians that the ongoing anti-corruption campaign in the country will be institutionalized and made to last beyond the life of his administration.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is seen on arrival at the Presidential villa Abuja, Nigeria, August 23, 2016.
Officers said they were anxious the move could antagonise people.
Among the issues discussed at the meeting with President Buhari were strengthening bilateral ties between Nigeria and America, Boko Haram, fight against corruption, the economy and human rights issues.
Kerry said he was satisfied that Buhari understood the evil of graft in his country and was working assiduously to stem the tide, describing Nigeria as a regional leader in the fight against corruption. “We don’t want to interfere, but will offer opportunities as you require”, the top U.S Government official said.
He said that the United States would continue to identify itself with the Sultanate in strengthening religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians.
“The Muslim Media Watch Group of Nigeria notes with admiration the visit of the American Secretary of State”.
Kerry commended the courage of Buhari in fighting corruption, saying: “We applaud what you are doing”.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr. Kerry had a closed-door meeting with Mr. Abubakar and some leaders of the two major religions.
The U.S. has deployed drones to neighboring Cameroon to hunt for Boko Haram fighters in Nigeria, and also has stationed a small group of troops in Maiduguri, according to a senior military official who spoke on condition of anonymity.
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Senator Joseph Waku, former Chairman, Senate Committee on Water Resources, urges President Muhammadu Buhari to either probe former President Olusegun Obasanjo or lose the 2019 election.
