Amb. Sanders Appears on Al Jazeera Discussing Security Threats in Africa's Sahel

Ambassador Sanders, CEO-FEEEDS was a featured subject matter expert on Al Jazeera America to discuss the growing security threats along the Sahel region of Africa, and also to discuss in-depth the impact on U.S. National Security implication of the transition and linkages of Nigeria's Boko Haram in Northern Nigeria to being called the Islamic State's West Africa Province. To see the October 18, 2015 news magazine show click here: https://ajam.app.boxcn.net/s/i5r9i2mhl4s0dzt2cvyvjyedi2najguk

A FEEEDS Series Blog Post

My Interview with THISDAY Newspaper

On Thursday, July 8, 2010, I was interviewed by THISDAY Editors when I was received at the Ikoyi residence of THISDAY Chairman Nduka Obaigbena. The story was titled: Sanders: 2011 is transformative for Nigeria with a rider Govt free to pursue legal case in NLNG bribery scam. The highlight of the interview was featured on the July 9th edition of the newspaper.

According the newspaper, "United States ambassador to Nigeria Ms Robin Renèe Sanders has urged the Nigerian government and Nigerians to muster enough political will to make democracy work by ensuring free and fair elections next year. She also said the Federal Government is free to initiate a legal case against companies such as Halliburton who have been heavily fined by the US for giving bribes to Nigerian public officials in order to secure contracts..."

Furthermore, I encouraged "the voters and politicians in Nigeria should do the right thing by choosing their candidates and show they are committed to democracy." I was quoted as saying that my "country's offer of technical assistance as no sufficient guarantee for free and fair elections, stressing the need for adequate political will from all participants in the process which 'must have to be enforced by someone down the line'.”

I told them ... “It is your election. It is your voice and your choice and all about voting for a change that would make Nigeria strong and vibrant... We provided technical assistance in 2007 and we’re providing a lot of technical assistance now…2011 is a transformative time for Nigeria. You’ve got to have the political will to get to a point where a lot of things would happen in a sustainable manner.”

On the visa revocation of the former Minister of Justice and Attorney-General of the Federation Mr. Michael Aondoakaa, I was quoted by the paper that “Yes, we revoked the visa and that’s how it was, the rest is a privacy issue. I won’t go into the details of why there was a visa revocation."

On whether Nigeria should receive part of the $338 million fine which a US court ordered Technip to pay, in respect of the $180 million bribe allegedly paid to unnamed senior government officials by Halliburton, I said “The department of justice has executed the case and they were fined after criminal charges…Nigeria's attorney-general is at liberty to pursue his own case against the companies"

On the blacklisting of Nigeria by the US after the attempted downing of a Detroit-bound Delta Airliner by Umaru Farouk Abdulmutallab last December, I said that “the type of policy we had that time was not a nationality designated one. I and my staff had to go through the same security check as well. It was not a nationality designation and unfortunately that is how it is viewed here. It is a worldwide policy and we had a number of meetings with Nigerian aviation authorities to enforce safety regulations.”

On whether US President Barrack Obama may likely visit Nigeria in the near future, I noted that that President Obama and President Goodluck Jonathan met in April and held fruitful discussions.

The following is quoted directly from the paper:

"She recalled the speech of the US president where he stated the importance of Nigeria on the world scene including the leadership role the country has to play on the African continent.
'They talked about credible election, development and moving forward. We have respect for the leadership role of Nigeria on the continent and you’re now a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. We want the best for Nigeria because you are one of our best friends,' Sanders said. On Nigeria’s quest to become a permanent member of the UN, she said that the US currently supports article 23 of the world body which outlines the steps to becoming a permanent member."

"The ambassador also spoke on the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission, explaining that the working group on the Niger Delta would meet soon. On food security and agriculture, she stated that the 'US is doing a lot towards food security and Nigeria is one of the recipients of the largest food security programmes that we have and this year, $25 million will be worked out as the year goes forward,' she said."

THE INAUGURATION OF US-NIGERIA BI-NATIONAL COMMISSION LAUNCHED IN ABUJA May 26-27, 2010

The U.S- Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) held its first Working Group meeting on Good Governance, Transparency and Integrity (GTI) in Abuja over the course of two days May 26-27, with pre-meetings May 25 with the private sector and civil society. I participated alongside of the U.S Undersecretary of State for Democracy and Global Affairs, Maria Otero , Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, William Fitzgerald and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Democracy, Human Rights and Labor, Dr Daniel Baer to move USG and Nigerian Government efforts forward on transparent elections in 2011. This forum provided an opportunity for members of the Nigerian delegation made up of federal legislators, state governors, private sector, civil society and other stake holders to share insights into best practices for Good Governance and credible elections in support of democratic principles. The U.S delegation also met with Nigerian President Jonathan in which he reiterated his commitment to ensuring credible elections in Nigeria. During the GTI-BNC working group, the USG underscore its commitment to support Nigeria's efforts to fight corruption, achieve credible elections, improve governance and support institutional capacity building. The next BNC working will meet in Washington D.C from June 10- 11 2010 to launch the BNC Energy and Investment Working Group.

Ambassador Sanders (right) with Undersecretary Maria Otero (middle) and Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina State

From left - Governor Fashola (Lagos), Ambassador Sanders, Undersecretary Otero and Governor Shema (Katsina)

Ambassador Robin Sanders (Middle) introduces Governor Fashola of Lagos State (left) to Undersecretary Maria Otero (right).

Ambassador Robin Sanders with Governor Fashola.

My Interview with VOA on U.S.-Nigeria Bilateral Relationship

Please click to listern to clips from the interview

This is the article written by Douglas Mpuga (May 19, 2010) titled US-Nigerian Relations Good, Says Envoy

The Nigerian Senate on Tuesday named Kaduna State governor Namadi Sambo as the country’s new vice president.

He replaces Goodluck Jonathan, who became president following the death of President Umaru Yar'Adua earlier this month.

With the naming of the vice president, Nigeria appears to have reached an end to six months of uncertainty about the country’s top leadership. Jonathan had been serving as acting president for Yar’Adua, who had been ill for several months.

The transition so far seems to have had little effect on Nigeria’s relations with the international community.

“U.S.-Nigeria relations are at a good place,” said Robin Renee Sanders, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria. She cited the bi-national commission signed in April that is about to be launched.

“I think it is a reflection of not only the strategic dialogue we want to have with Nigeria but the importance of Nigeria to the US government,” she said.

She said electoral reform has been a key topic of discussions between the two countries over the past few years.

“Of late, we have focused a lot ,” she said, “….on encouraging transparency in the voter registry and having strong and new leadership within the independent electoral commission, and that seems to be happening.”

General elections in Nigeria take place next year. Shortly after his inauguration, Jonathan renewed his pledge to carry out electoral reforms and to help achieve a free and fair vote.

Last Friday, three former Nigerian heads of state urged President Goodluck Jonathan to "do the right thing" and ensure that credible elections take place in Africa's most populous nation.

The ambassador also expressed optimism that the amnesty for Niger Delta rebels initiated by the Yar’Adua administration will succeed.

“We believe the amnesty is the right thing to do,” she said. “We are looking forward to seeing what the current [president Goodluck] Jonathan administration is going to do to further enhance and solidify the amnesty.”

She said the US is also working with Muslim communities in northern Nigeria especially in areas of development like education and health. It’s part of a broader effort by the US government to show support and friendship with the Islamic world.


Find this article at:
http://www1.voanews.com/english/news/africa/USNigerianRelationsGoodEnvoy-94257714.html

Ambassador Sanders addresses the Council on Foreign Relations

On my last trip to Washington, I was pleased to be able to meet with members of the Council on Foreign Relations to discuss the current political situation in Nigeria and the country’s prospects for the future. On May 14, I engaged in a lively discussion on the reality of the situation in Nigeria and the promise of improved living conditions for its people as it continues to follow the path of democracy and implement the will of the people.

Nigeria has just undergone an extended period of uncertainty with the illness and passing of the former President, Musa Yar’Adua. In a country of such wealth, the new Jonathan administration has a unique opportunity to put those resources to use for the benefit of all. As friends and partners of Nigeria, we stand by to support them in their quest for a transparent and credible election. I was pleased to have the opportunity to address the Council’s questions on the future of Nigeria and to provide a snapshot of the current situation on the ground, even as it continues to unfold.

Corporate Council on Africa Hosts Roundtable with Ambassador Sanders

On May 14, I participated in a Roundtable discussion with members of the Corporate Council on Africa in Washington, DC. These are business people working in Africa who are always very interested in keeping abreast of political and economic developments in the region. As Ambassador, I have had an ongoing dialogue with them, as they provide me with invaluable information about the current business climate in Nigeria and I can offer them insights into the thinking of top political leaders and policy makers whose decisions will impact their businesses.

On Friday, our discussion focused on two primary areas — the current political and economic situation in the country. Participants asked about the upcoming 2011 elections, aspects of the recently signed Binational Commission and what it would mean for U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relations, and about the new President’s pick for Vice President and what that would mean for stability and unity in the country. On the economic side, we discussed the potential economic impacts of the recently passed Local Content Bill for foreign investors.

As always, these exchanges provide an invaluable opportunity for representatives from government and the private sector to work together to understand the realities of the situation on the ground and I am honored to be able to bridge that gap and provide information to US companies doing business in Nigeria.

My One-one-One Interview with NTA

I appeared on One-on-One, a live interview program on Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), the largest TV network in Africa, on Wednesday April 21, 2010 from 13:30-14:30. I answered questions on the positive impact of the Nigerian Acting President Jonathan’s visit to the United States and whether this strengthened the U.S.-Nigeria bilateral relationship. I said yes. I also talked about the newly established U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC), Niger Delta, visa issues, food security, current political events in Nigeria and other general issues of importance to the U.S.-Nigeria relationship. Discussing Acting President Jonathan’s meeting with President Obama and the signing of the BNC by Nigerian Secretary of Government, I noted that they were landmark events underscoring the strong friendship between the U.S. and Nigeria. Gbenga Adewusi was on the other side of the table with inputs from the general public. This was my first major television interview after Acting President Jonathan's visit to the United States. Read the transcript here

Acting President Jonathan of Nigeria visits U.S.

From April 11-13, 2010, I participated in the first official visit of Acting President (AgP) Jonathan to the United States, including meeting him upon arrival at Andrews Airport on the morning of April 11. The focus of the AgP's visit was to have a bilateral meeting with U.S. President Obama and attend President Obama's historic Nuclear Summit. It was important for U.S. Mission Nigeria to participate in these meetings and also attend Acting President Jonathan's other activities at Council on Foreign Relations and Corporate Council on Africa. We were all pleased with Acting President Jonathan's commitment to credible elections in 2011 elections and fighting corruption.

U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission Signed in Washington D.C.

On April 6, I attended the landmark signing of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (BNC) between the Governments of the U.S. and Nigeria signed between the Secretary of the Federal Government and The Secretary of State in Washington D.C. at the State Department. The BNC is a strategic dialogue that will enhance and strengthen the friendship and bilateral relationship between the two nations. The BNC will have several working groups that will focus on good governance, energy, Niger Delta and Food Security.

On April 7, I had a Foreign Press Briefing with the Nigerian Ambassador to the United States Mr. Adebowale Adefuye on the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission at the Foreign Press Center.

Watch the Video:
Adebowale Ibibapo Adefuye, Nigerian Ambassador to U.S. and Robin Renee Sanders, U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, Briefing at the Washington FPC on the "Inauguration of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission (30 minutes: 22 seconds)
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1857622883?bclid=0&bctid=76442832001




Related stories:

• Dept of State: Signing Ceremony for the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission
• Dept of State Blog - Dipnote: U.S., Nigeria Launch Binational Commission
• Dept of State - Foreign Press Center: Inauguration of the U.S.-Nigeria Binational Commission video
• America.gov: U.S., Nigeria Pledge Greater Cooperation
• VOA: US, Nigeria Establish Bi-National Commission
• My Remarks: The “Elements of Democracy”: The Way Forward in the U.S.-Nigerian Bilateral Relationship

March 30 interview with allafrica.com covered the ranged of bilateral U.S.-Nigeria issues: next steps for the government, elections 2011 issues, TSA listing, violence in Jos, and how U.S. companies see investment in Nigeria, including the impact of the fragile amnesty in the Niger Delta. My key points were Jos voilence is complex and includes several issues: ethnicity, sectarian issues, and land issues: it is not a one dimensional problem. See sending the unedit version of the Electoral Reform Committee (ERC) report to the National Assembly as a step in the right direction. Await the vision for the new cabinet.