In this interview with Ben Agande in Abuja, the Chairman of the All Progressive Congress in the United States of America, Mr Anthony Isama says Nigerians should allow President Muhammadu Buhari choose his cabinet at the time he wants but warn his party on the dangers ahead. Excerpts:
The president recently revealed the willingness of the world powers to assist Nigeria recover some of the stolen monies kept abroad. What role will the All Progressive Congress in the Diaspora play in ensuring that such monies are traced?
We will use the legal tools in our various countries of residence to reach out to our representatives in the congress to support the administration in this effort.
Despite several visits to solicit foreign direct investments, it has been argued that the result has not been commensurate with the efforts previous governments have put into it. What do you think is responsible for this?
Expectation is one thing and recognition of the realities of the situation is another. Basically, a business person wants a place that is safe they can invest and make some profit at the end. If you don’t have such a secure environment, you can make all the arrangements. It wouldn’t work. You wouldn’t get the right people. So our party will first move to secure our environment. If we guarantee safety of people coming in, things will change.
Apart from the oil sector, there is little involvement of the United States of American businessmen in the country. What would you say is responsible for this minimal presence?
There are several factors and they all come down to the same thing: security. The oil companies have all been around for a long time, even in our most difficult times. The key is how to project the country for the values it has for an investor coming in to say this is our population. change.
What are your expectations from the Buhari administration in terms of people that should form his cabinet?
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