The House of Representatives sought the cooperation of the United States government to assist Nigeria in the repatriation of the nation’s stolen funds stashed in foreign countries by corrupt public officials over the years.

The Chairman of the House Committee on Nigeria-US Friendship Group/ Inter-parliamentary Relations Hon Ehiozuwa Johnson Agboniayima sought for the assistance on Tuesday when the committee played host to a delegation of military officers of the US Air War College in Abuja.

While soliciting for the assistance the lawmaker informed the military delegation that as accomplished officers who would in no distant future be involved in policy formation in the United States, they should assist in the repatriation of the nation’s stolen wealth kept in America by corrupt persons.

He described these funds as proceeds of crime, adding that the funds should be returned back for the development of Nigeria.

While expressing the country’s appreciation to the US in supporting the country combat health, economic and security issues, the House member further sought the support of America to assist in the deepening and strengthening democracy by ensuring a successful conduct of the 2019 general elections.

According to him, “the National Assembly is committed to good governance, social security, due process and transparency especially in the fight against corruption and the desire to build institutions to tackle corruption

“The US and Nigeria have over the years been consistently close allies, sharing stronger ties in peacekeeping within the African continent and around the globe. As future key actors in the Pentagon and Washington, your role in global peace cannot be overemphasized

“There is a need for peaceful coexistence and world peace and Nigeria is a key nation in promoting global peace especially within Africa
“Nigeria continually seeks the support of the US and other friendly nations in overcoming the challenges we face. Majority of our people yearn for one united country devoid of sectionalism and nepotism, built on equity and justice, a country of security and prosperity”.

While responding, the leader of the US military delegation, Lt. Col. Stacy Kihara of the US Air Force informed the committee that the visit had enabled the delegation members to study the political, economic and social dynamics of Nigeria.

Culled: tribuneonlineng.com