Biden to Buhari: Military option alone can’t end insurgency

Joe Biden, vice-president of the United States of America, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari not to put all his hopes in military as he seeks to stamp insurgency out of Nigeria.

He urged the president to consider combining strong socioeconomic support programmes in the battle.

Femi Adesina, special adviser to the president on media and publicity, quoted Biden as giving the advice during a breakfast meeting with Buhari at Naval Observatory, his official residence.

“At the meeting, which held at the Naval Observatory, official residence of the American vice-president, Biden shared with his guest what the US had learnt from the terror war, counselling that victory cannot come from military option alone,” the statement read.

“Military option must be combined with strong socioeconomic support programmes, VP Biden said, promising that the US would work with Nigeria in that direction.”

Biden was further quoted as assuring Buhari of the goodwill of the US in rebuilding the Nigerian economy, and noting that corruption and weak institutions must be tackled if Nigeria wants to benefit from reforms.

He added that seasoned technocrats must manage key sectors of the Nigerian economy, and only then would investors be attracted to the country.

He also congratulated Buhari on his victory at the March 2015 election, adding that it was obvious that the president enjoys the confidence of the Nigerian people.

Responding, Buhari was said to have thanked the US for standing by Nigeria in the run-up to general election early this year.

He noted that the visit of John Kerry, secretary of state, was critical as it sent home the message that America would not brook the subversion of the people’s will.

“On oil theft, the Nigerian president estimated losses at between $10 billion and $20 billion, stressing that such income could have been deployed with salutary impact on various spheres of national life like education and healthcare, among others,” the statement added.

At the meeting, both America and Nigeria were said to have pledged renewed commitment to working as partners.