The Deputy Chief of Mission at the United States Embassy in Nigeria, David Young has said the nation’s major challenge remains transforming its oil wealth into improvement in the life of the average citizen. He noted the development as, “the United States felt very strongly about.”
Speaking during a courtesy call on Governor Seriake Dickson in Yenagoa, he said the U.S. believes that all stakeholders must be engaged in a genuine dialogue to find an equitable solution to the Niger Delta impasse. He urged Nigerians to work for common goals to end violence and curb criminal activities.
Young also stressed the need for government to establish conditions and mechanisms over time and provide economic services to Niger Delta people and the entire citizenry.
“United States officials visit regularly in our engagement with senor officials and we focus on promoting transparency and fiscal responsibility.“Nigeria is a very, very important and critical partner of the United States and the Niger Delta is a critical region as well, within the country so we are very committed to engaging with and being involved in a very important and ongoing way,” he said.
Governor Dickson said the state knows fully that the issues affecting the region could be resolved amicably through dialogue.While describing Bayelsa as the epicentre, he said working together honestly and sincerely with a clear roadmap was one of the genuine steps to resolving the impasse.
