President Goodluck Jonathan and his Kenyan counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta, on Monday in Abuja expressed their determination to work together to stamp out terrorism in both countries.
The two leaders disclosed this at a joint press briefing they addressed after a closed-door bilateral meeting and signing of agreements.
Kenyatta arrived in Abuja on Sunday on a State Visit and to participate in the World Economic Forum for Africa holding from Wednesday to Friday.
Specifically, Jonathan applauded Kenyatta for not aborting the state visit and the World Economic Forum even after the unfortunate terror attack in Kenya on Sunday.
It will be recalled that three people were reportedly killed and several others injured in twin bomb blasts on Sunday in Mombasa, Kenya.
One blast reportedly happened at a bus station in Mwembe, Tayari, near the city centre, when a grenade was thrown into a crowded mini bus, killing three people and wounding more than 20.
Jonathan said: “I want to use this opportunity to express the condolence of Nigerians and government to the government of Kenya on the last terror attack.
“For us in Nigeria, we have been experiencing this dastardly acts for some time now.
“Kenya is just beginning to experience it.
“We have to appreciate the courage expressed by the President for not aborting the state visit and the invitation to the World Economic Forum because of the attack.
“It is a clear signal from here that the attack will not stop us from moving forward.
“The act of terror in Africa is diversionary being organised by group of people who do not want the continent to move forward.”
President Jonathan said that whenever a country showed any sign of progress, the criminal elements would strike.
“Yes, they are setting us backward, they are slowing us down, they are killing innocent citizens, they are destroying properties, but surely we will overcome and terror will not stop Africa from progressing.”
Jonathan said that terror attack was naturally to frighten people, but governments would do everything possible to ensure the provision of maximum protection for the citizens.
He said that he had useful discussions with his counterpart and they signed a number of agreements and Memorandum of Understanding.
On his part, Kenyatta also seized the opportunity of the briefing to console with President Jonathan and the people of Nigeria on the series of attacks by terrorist groups in the country.
He said: “Just like the people of Kenya, you have suffered at the hands of these cowardly terrorists.
“People who have no value for life, who continue to wreck wanton havoc on lives and properties in our two countries.
“Yesterday, as the President has said, we in Kenya lost a number of people and many others injured in the cowardly attack that took place in Nairobi.
“Indeed, these attacks are aimed at cowing the people of our countries and this continent, to derail us from the new agenda that we have set for ourselves.
“My presence here is an indication that these people will not derail us.
“We will continue, we shall fight the fight and we will win the fight and in the process we will continue with our agenda of transforming our continent’s economy.”
Kenyatta solicited the support of the people in the fight against terror, adding that government alone could not defeat the terrorist groups.
He said that visit was equally intended to further consolidate the brotherly partnership between the two countries.
He said: “I use this opportunity to thank President Jonathan for the role he has played in bringing our people together.
“Many of you will recall after attending my inauguration ceremony, he had paid two further visits to Kenya.
“This is also my second visit to Nigeria.
“My Deputy President was also here a few weeks ago to join the people of Nigeria, as they celebrated their anniversary.
“This coming together of leaders is aimed at bringing our peoples together.
“Kenya and Nigeria are two countries and are basic economic pillars in this continent.
“Nigeria today ranked now as the largest economy in Africa and this is an indication that we are moving in the right direction.
“By bringing these two economies and their people together, honestly I believe is the surest way to guarantee creation of employment for our young men and women, add value to our products and increase the level of trade and inter-African trade.”
President Kenyatta said that Nigeria stood as the single largest country helping Kenya in its oil and gas exploration, adding: ”African country investing in another African country is what is needed to be seen more often going into the future.”
He expressed the belief that through the bilateral exchanges, both countries would witness increase in trade and investments.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Aminu Wali, and his counterpart from Kenya, Amina Mohammed, read a joint communique on the visit.
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