Designation of Boko Haram as terror organisation won’t affect Nigerians travelling to US – Envoy

The Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, said the designation of Boko Haram as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation would not pose any obstacle for Nigerians travelling to the United States of America.
Thomas-Greenfield gave the assurance at a joint press briefing with a visiting delegation of senior US officials in Abuja on Thursday.
She said Nigerians, who were not connected to the terror organisation, would not be subjected to excessive security checks.
She said: “Designating Boko as a terrorist organisation gives tools in which the US Government can address issues related to Boko Haram, particularly terror financing.
“I do not believe that designating Boko Haram will imply in any way more scrutiny for Nigerians who are travelling to the United States.
“Nigerians, who are not in any way connected to Boko Haram, have no reason to be concerned about this.
“We have very strict requirements to come to the US and those requirements are imposed on everyone.
“I even get more scrutiny when I go through the airports because of terrorism and I actually appreciate that because it protects all of us.”
Thomas-Greenfield and the US AFRICOM Commander, General David Rodriguez, also told reporters that the US had no immediate plans to send drones or troops to Nigeria.
According to the US officials, the option is not considered during the November 13 designation of Boko Haram and its splinter, Ansaru, as FTO.
On the 2015 Nigeria elections, Thomas-Greenfield pledged the US continued support for strong democratic institutions in the country.
Thomas-Greenfield said: “As 2015 approaches, we are supporting the preparation for the national election and we want to help ensure that Nigeria has free, fair and credible elections that reflect the will of the Nigerian people.
“Free, fair and transparent elections are high priority for the US Government and we hope to work with the Nigerian government, with INEC, political parties to ensure that the election in 2015 is one that reflects the will of the people of Nigeria.”
The US envoy, however, expressed concern that the problems associated with the just-concluded Anambra State election had raised “concern about future elections in the country”.
She pledged that the US would partner with INEC to prevent a repeat of the incident in Anambra State in future elections.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, said it was noteworthy and “transparent” that INEC recognised its shortcomings in the Anambra State election.
“My impression is that INEC is using the Anambra election as a lesson to get ready for the next elections and that is extremely important,” Entwistle said.
Commenting on security issues, Rodriquez said the US delegation discussed cooperation on mutual security concerns with Nigerian officials.
He described terrorism as a worldwide challenge, and noted that the US was “happy to work with Nigerians as partners to meet that challenge.
“The strategic relationship we have with Nigeria is one of the most important one we have on the continent.
“Nigeria has been a great partner of AFRICOM as we seek more effective ways to help Africa partners and regional organisation to address security in the continent.”
Rodriquez added the US was working with Nigeria security operatives to develop their counter terrorism skills.
Earlier, the delegation, which arrived in Nigeria since Monday, met with young Nigerians to discuss the young African leader’s initiative group of President Barack Obama.
In 2014, some select Nigeria youths will join other Africans for a six-week leadership training and capacity building in Washington D.C.