We will resolve the Niger Delta problem very soon, buhari assures Obama

President Muhammadu Buhari Tuesday assured
Barack Obama, the American President Nigeria
is making steady progress towards resolving the
problem in the Niger Delta region which has led
to economic sabotage on a grand scale.
During a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of
the 71st edition of the UN General Assembly,
holding in New York, President Buhari
disclosed:
"We are making definite progress on how
many factions of the militant groups
exist, their leadership and operational
basis, and we have equally sought the
cooperation of the oil majors. In a short
while, I believe the issues would be
resolved."
While thanking America for help rendered in the
area of security through provision of
armaments, training for Nigerian troops, and
sharing of intelligence, which has led to the
degradation of Boko Haram in the North East,
President Buhari said the country was open to
support in combating the humanitarian crisis
currently ravaging the region.
The President said the farming season was
good this year, with the prospect of good
harvest, and "Nigeria is on the road to food self-
sufficiency soon. We shall be able to feed
ourselves, and utilize the billions of dollars
spent on importing food on other productive
areas."
President Buhari reiterated that his
administration came to power on the tripod
promises of security, battle against corruption,
and revamping of the economy, stressing that
there would be no let-up in fulfilling those
electoral promises.
He wished President Obama a happy retirement,
as he winds down gradually on his tenure in
office.
Responding, the American President described
President Buhari as a man of "integrity and
honesty," saying: "We have confidence in your
leadership. There are some difficulties you face,
but this administration is willing to assist in the
short time we have left. You have made real
progress in defeating the brutal organization
called Boko Haram, and that was achieved
because of your leadership."
President Obama offered a hand of fellowship
to Nigeria "in the final and comprehensive
defeat of Boko Haram, resolution of the Niger
Delta crisis, which would help ramp up oil
production and increase revenue, resolving the
humanitarian crisis in the North East, recovering
stolen money, and revamping the economy."
Describing Nigeria as a big and important
country in sub-Saharan Africa, the American
President said his country looked forward to a
framework for sustained partnership between
the two nations.
FEMI ADESINA
Special Adviser to the President
(Media and Publicity)



Source :LIB
Edited by DANIEL IKECHUKWU EKWUNIFE