US Secretary of State, John Kerry has arrived in the extreme northwest of Nigeria city of Sokoto, for an official visit. He was welcomed by the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar.
Kerry spoke highly of the Sultan for promoting religious tolerance and understanding among Nigerians. Citing that, the Sultanate Council was building a community of tolerance for peace, progress and political stability in Nigeria. After which Kerry had a closed door meeting with Sultan Sa’ad Abubakar and some leaders of the two major religions according to reports by Vanguard.
Nigeria’s battle against Boko Haram will only succeed if it tackles the reasons why people join Islamist militant groups and if the government and its military gain people’s trust, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said on Tuesday reports Reuters.
“We also know that beating Boko Haram on the battlefield is only the beginning of what we must do… Building public trust in government also requires cooperation from the military and law enforcement. Extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear.” Kerry said in a speech in the northern Nigerian city of Sokoto at the start of a visit to the West African nation.
The US Secretary of State will also meet with President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja to discuss counter-terrorism efforts, the Nigerian economy, and the fight against corruption and human rights issues. Kerry will leave Nigeria for Saudi Arabia on Wednesday, August 24.
