Boko Haram Threatens Our Activities In Nigeria – United States
The United States on Wednesday admitted that the security challenges in the North were threatening its operations in Nigeria. The Information Officer of the US Embassy in Abuja, Rhonda Ferguson-Augustus, stated this at a joint briefing in which the Consular Chief, Carol Cox, also spoke on student visas.
The security challenges in parts of the northern states, he said, had frustrated the embassy from opening a consular office in Kano State.
Ferguson-Augustus said, “There are security problems in the North. We want to be sure that the people we assign there are safe. We will work on that if the security improves.”
The violence perpetrated by members of the Boko Haram had resulted in the killing of many Nigerians and
the destruction of properties in the North.
Cox, who warned Nigerians against patronising agents, noted that the embassy looked forward to receiving over 60,000 visa applications in Abuja and over 100,000 in Lagos by September 30 this year.
She warned, “Do not patronise touts, agents or criminals out there to fill your application or obtain fake documents for you.
“Visa fraud is a crime and will render an individual permanently ineligible for any type of visa to the US.
“Assisting or facilitating individuals to committing visa fraud can also render an individual permanently ineligible for any type of visa.”
Cox also warned applicants against believing that they could sponsor their education by taking up menial jobs in the US.
She said, “We need to let students understand what it takes to go to school in the US. They cannot sponsor their education through labour works. That is why we have ‘Education USA’ to provide guidance to would-be students to the US.”
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Dr. Ahmed Gulak, says Nigeria will emerge stronger at the end of its current security challenges.
He spoke on Wednesday in Abuja at a dinner organised by a non-governmental organisation, Goodluck Support Group for youth leaders.
Gulak said, “The situation is now improving in the North-East. The youth are emboldened as they are helping in chasing, arresting, and handing over the insurgents to the Joint Task Force.
“Nigeria will not disintegrate. Nigeria will emerge stronger and more united.
“Remember, we had a civil war and came out of it stronger and more united.”
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