US Congress Blocks the Sale of Warplanes to Nigeria, says Buhari should focus on improving governance

The recent news report by New York Times has revealed that the US congress has made a move to stop the Obama administration from going ahead with their consideration to supply 12 A-29 Super Tucano light attack warplanes to Buhari’s  administration, who claimed the warplanes would be used to fight Boko Haram.

According to the report made known to New York times by Tim Rieser, a top aide to Senator Patrick Leahy, the move held some views against  Buhari’s administration, which includes lack of trust and  incompetency.  They argued that the administration lacks the competence to handle the air crafts accordingly without committing human rights abuse.

Tim Rieser told The Times that “we don’t have confidence in the Nigerians’ ability to use them in a manner that complies with the laws of war and doesn’t end up disproportionately harming civilians, nor in the capability of the U.S. government to monitor their use.”

“To defeat Boko Haram, which preys on citizens’ anger at the government, Mr. Buhari will need more than weapons. He has to get serious about improving governance and providing jobs, roads and services in every region of Nigeria. Until then or until Congress develops ways to monitor the planes’ use, it should block the sale.” – Tim Rieser emphasised.

Reporr by : Obinna Ejianya

Source : New York Times