THE United States has said that defeating Boko Haram requires comprehensive approach.The United States government officials, led by the Deputy Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, disclosed this on Thursday after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The US government said the approach would involve the region, strong military response, sustainable security for liberated areas, good governance, development and opportunity for the civilian population.

“It also requires a strong commitment to human rights, the absence of which only alienates the people and drives them toward Boko Haram. As Nigeria develops this comprehensive approach, the United States will deepen our support.

“We seek to engage all segments of Nigerian society and those that represent them. So, we met with a dynamic group of civil society leaders, as well as members of President Obama’s Young African Leaders Initiative, who are helping strengthen the foundation of democracy in Nigeria.

“As the government makes transparency and anti-corruption a priority, there is a vital and unique role for citizens and civil society to play.

“They help develop solutions to problems that government alone cannot. They, together with other groups, community groups, NGOs, labour unions, charities, faith-based organisations, professional associations, and foundations drive innovation and spark new ideas that government can bring to a larger scale.

“Just as important, they provide peaceful avenues to advance interests and express their convictions. And that is the best guarantor of progress and stability.

“The hard challenges of this moment are matched by its promise – when Nigeria can advance important security, economic and governance reforms that will help unlock its vast potential as a regional and indeed global leader.

“We look forward to welcoming President Buhari to Washington in just a week and a half as we continue to deepen a relationship that reflects the enduring commitment of the United States to Nigeria and its people,” Blinken said.
The United States Government officials meeting with President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo centred on a number of issues, notably fight against terrorism.

Blinken disclosed that the team had a very productive series of meetings with both President Buhari and Vice President Osinbajo.

According to him, the team worked to help prepare for President Buhari’s visit to Washington on July 20.
Blinken equally disclosed that the team had a very productive meeting with a number of Nigeria’s governors, apart from the one held with Buhari and Osinbajo.

On why the team met with the governors, he said it was because Nigeria has a strong federal system with enormous responsibility vested with governors and state governments.

Others on the US side at the meeting included US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle and the Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield.

There were also senior officials from the Department of Defence, Treasury Department, and the U.S. Agency for International Development at the meeting.

On the Nigerian side were some permanent secretaries who currently oversee ministries as the current administration was yet to form cabinet.