Group writes Trump over sale of attack planes to Nigeria

The Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has written a letter to President Donald Trump, commending him over the sale of fighter jets to Nigeria.

In the letter signed by Isaac Ikpa, the group’s executive secretary, CESJET said this would strengthen the relations between US and Nigeria in view of eradicating terrorism in the West African sub-region.

He added that the sale was a proof of Trump’s commitment in fighting against global terrorism.

“Attitude and practices like these have no place in the global anti-terror coalition envisaged by your administration, which you clearly made known to the American people and the rest of the world from the start,” the letter read.

“CESJET is of the view that the total elimination of Boko Haram in Nigeria would move the world closer to stemming the tide of terrorism.

“The current administration of President Muhammadu Buhari has demonstrated commitment to this global imperative with the implementation of transparent defence procurement and adherence to high human rights benchmarks in its over two years in office.

“We, therefore, prescribe that relationship between Nigeria and the USA be further strengthened towards the total eradication of terrorism in the sub-region.

“Mr President is however invited to note the escalation of attempts by Boko Haram to resurge in recent weeks.

“It is therefore desirable that the intelligence community assist in exposing those who want to keep the world unsafe even when you have committed to the war against terrorism in Nigeria.”

The letter blamed the resurgence of Boko Haram attacks in the north-east on some “international factors”.

It said the attacks increased when the country started oil exploration in Lake Chad – an indication of international interest.

“It is noteworthy that the degeneration in the situation in Nigeria’s northeast resumed only when the country began exploring crude oil in the Lake Chad,” the letter read.

“On the strength of our work in Nigeria, we testify that the Nigerian military has reformed while its human rights record has tremendously improved under the current leadership, a development that was never acknowledged by Amnesty International and the international media circuit.”

Editor’s note: The aircraft used in this story is for illustration, and shouldn’t be regarded as the ones which the US government approved for sale.