The President of the most populous country in Africa and the Giant of Africa; President Buhari (Nigeria) meets the USA, President Obama next week. This is the meeting of the century. This event is a symbolic show of solidarity after Nigeria’s first ever democratic transition without violence. The August visitor will be hosted on July 20, at the White House. OASES NEWS Publisher; Mr. Michael Kehinde Abiodun met with Mr. Francis John who is the International Coordinator; APC USA for a short interview on this visit to find out the expectations of Nigerians home and abroad.
OASESNEWS: As the International Coordinator; APC USA what are the programs that you have in place for President Buhari before, during and after his visit to President Obama in USA?
FRANCIS: First and foremost, we are proud to have President Buhari in US and APC USA International and affilliates are working smarter to welcome President Muhammadu Buhari. It's a high level meeting, meeting of the two most powerful countries in the World. They have a lot talk about for their respective countries, bearing in mind that Nigeria stands to benefit from United States, the world's oldest democratic country and the largest economy. This visit is made possible by President Obama and they are in control of all arrangements. At the moment, no person, persons or entity/groups have correct information, when the President will meet with Nigerians. But for our part we are making arrangement to meet up with any eventualities and have something in place for our August high profile visitors. However, while we attended the inaugural ceremony in May, we submitted our request to host the 1stAPC Diaspora Investment Shopping Summit, reminders to the National Secretariat for this convention are in progress. Soon as we get party consent, thereafter, everyone will be informed accordingly. In return to this visit, we expect President Barrack Obama to visit Nigeria very shortly, while President Muhammadu Buhari puts in place an incorruptible administration among others. This was also the case that prompted his visit to Ghana.
OASESNEWS: How are the pulses (feelings) of Nigerians home and abroad for President Obama to have invited President Buhari to the white house.
FRANCIS: Everyone is happy back home and here, everyone here is making adequate arrangements to meet with him, even though a program of events is yet to be extended to anyone, coupled with the fact, all Ambassadors have just been instructed to report home immediately. We are very hopeful this will lead to a mutual working relationship between both countries. Bearing in mind that America is the oldest democratic country in the world and the need for Nigeria to learn from it and its successes.
Francis John, APC-USA. Michael Kehinde Abiodun; OASES NEWS
OASESNEWS: What would you request from Buhari regarding voting in diaspora vis-a-vis allowing those in diaspora to vote during National Election in Nigeria?
FRANCIS: Our request is very simple and clear, we need "#Diaspora Nigerian Voting in 2019" and the process should start now. It is necessary for this administration to take credit for its citizenry bill of rights, kick start the process quickly, like yesterday. We strongly ask the President to make this monumental development one of his signature projects. Doing this will signal the return of progressive Nigerian expertise and technocrats, to jump start the economy, increase investment and create employment.
OASESNEWS: How would you assess President Buhari's performance within the past 30 days of his assumption in office
FRANCIS: It is far too early to draw any conclusion. He seems to be stabilizing the country, looking ahead to recoup stolen wealth, and ensuring peace and security, not limited to Boko Haram insurgencies. The firing of the Ambassadors and Service Chiefs are some glaring examples of best practice being put in place for the benefits of all Nigerians.
OASESNEWS: Apart from the water, electricity and security lacking muscles in Nigeria what do you expect?
FRANCIS: We must rebuild our refineries as a necessary means of maximizing our oil revenue and replenish our dwindled foreign exchange, then we can be in a position to rebuild our infrastructure. It is quite unfortunate for an oil producing country to be struggling to provide electricity to its citizens. All that is required is a commitment to rebuilding our public utilities. First, we have to modernize our utility grids and explore alternative sources of energy. Without adequate power it is near impossible to pursue any meaningful projects, therefore addressing the power shortages take precedence over all other projects.
OASES NEWS: There is a proverb that says where two giants fight the trees and grass suffer, now there is no fight but a peaceful meeting. What should the Nigerians be expecting from this great meeting that would touch the lives of every Nigerian?
FRANCIS: I am glad this is a peaceful meeting because these great giants aren't necessarily equal in strength-advantage Obama! But I expect President Obama to be a gracious host and treat President Buhari as an equal. I believe they will discuss a number of subjects from Nigeria's security challenges in the hands of Boko Haram and the struggling economy. This is the best opportunity for President Buhari to make a strong case to the United States to be our partner in the efforts to rebuild our economy and secure a lasting peace for Nigerians.
OASESNEWS: Corruption is one of the major problems in Nigeria. How do you see this being tackled and do you think Buhari's government is on the right path dealing with corruption right now?
FRANCIS: You got that right! Corruption is a menace that we must get rid of to improve our economy. This should not be the sole responsibility of the president. It will take the collective will of the people in both the civil service and the private sector to resist the allure of corruption. I think the evidence is there that President Buhari does not abhor corruption as he has taken the steps to recoup our stolen assets.
OASESNEWS: What do you expect from the Judiciary now? Recollect that some judges were accused of one thing or the other and note that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. A judge that gives good judgement must not be corrupt. What are the expectations of the judiciary?
FRANCIS: The judiciary as an independent branch of the Federal Government should maintain and preserve impartiality as that is necessary for checks- and- balances. Any citizen with the proper credentials, who has the privilege to serve the nation on the bench, owes it a duty of conduct almost beyond reproach. It is understandable that when the stakes are high judges will face the temptation of a quid pro judgments in exchange of money or something of value, but they know that coming in. Rendering of sound judgments requires a strict adherence to thoughtful interpretation of the law. Judges who exercise, poor judgement and succumb to temptation and are found guilty of corruption or enabling same should be dealt with severely and to the fullest extent of the law.
