— 5th July 2016
After ruffling feathers with allegation of sexual misconduct against three members of the House of Representatives members, James Entwistle, outgoing United States of America envoy to Nigeria declined further comments on the matter when cornered by journalist at the weekend.
Entwistle, in a June 9, 2016 letter addressed to Dogara, alleged that Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC, Bauchi), Samuel Ikon (PDP, Akwa Ibom) and Mark Gbillah (APC, Benue) were ‘caught in the act’ during their stay in the Renaissance Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio.
The letter said Gbillah and Ikon asked a staff of the hotel to engage prostitutes on their behalf and Gololo attempted to rape a housekeeper.
“I have nothing to say about that,” Entswisle retorted when asked whether the three members allegedly involved in sexually misconduct while attending a leadership seminar in Cleveland had replied or formally made contact on his letter.
The lawmakers have since denied the allegations, even as the House set up a joint committee consisting of its Foreign Relations and Ethics and Privileges Committees to investigate the allegations.
Entwistle, whose tour of duty ends this month, described his stay in Nigeria as a fascinating time, saying he would be leaving with a great sense of hope and optimism, especially with a truly inspiring experience with young Nigerians with energy and dynamism.
He was accredited as US ambassador to Nigeria in November 2013.
President Barak Obama has nominated Stewart Samilton as his replacement.
The outgoing envoy described the March 28, 2015 presidential election which saw Goodluck Jonathan, then incumbent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) concede victory to Muammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to democracy. “In Nigeria, you demonstrated to the world, your commitment to democracy with your historical elections last year. We all remember the euphoria surrounding that ground breaking event.”
he said
Entwistle, in a June 9, 2016 letter addressed to Dogara, alleged that Mohammed Garba Gololo (APC, Bauchi), Samuel Ikon (PDP, Akwa Ibom) and Mark Gbillah (APC, Benue) were ‘caught in the act’ during their stay in the Renaissance Hotel, Cleveland, Ohio.
The letter said Gbillah and Ikon asked a staff of the hotel to engage prostitutes on their behalf and Gololo attempted to rape a housekeeper.
“I have nothing to say about that,” Entswisle retorted when asked whether the three members allegedly involved in sexually misconduct while attending a leadership seminar in Cleveland had replied or formally made contact on his letter.
The lawmakers have since denied the allegations, even as the House set up a joint committee consisting of its Foreign Relations and Ethics and Privileges Committees to investigate the allegations.
Entwistle, whose tour of duty ends this month, described his stay in Nigeria as a fascinating time, saying he would be leaving with a great sense of hope and optimism, especially with a truly inspiring experience with young Nigerians with energy and dynamism.
He was accredited as US ambassador to Nigeria in November 2013.
President Barak Obama has nominated Stewart Samilton as his replacement.
The outgoing envoy described the March 28, 2015 presidential election which saw Goodluck Jonathan, then incumbent and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) concede victory to Muammadu Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to democracy. “In Nigeria, you demonstrated to the world, your commitment to democracy with your historical elections last year. We all remember the euphoria surrounding that ground breaking event.”
he said
“Not just the political freedom you exercised last year, but freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom from sickness, and freedom from corruption.
“The last election was tremendous democratic success, not only for Nigeria, but the growth of democracy across Africa. The United States stands with every Nigerian who believes that Nigeria can be healthier, safer, and more prosperous,” the envoy said.
Entwisle who spoke at the weekend during a dinner to mark the 240th independence of the United States, said Nigeria’s future belonged to all Nigerian people, especially “Nigeria’s heroes – men and women who are brave enough to believe that they can change the world.”
He said the Obama administration remained committed to Nigeria in its fight against corruption, particularly by ensuring no stolen funds are laundered through the American banking system.
According to him, the U.S. government was offering technical assistance to Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies for the training of investigators and prosecutors, saying he looked forward to more partnership for the freedom of all Nigerians.
He also reiterated his country’s commitment to assisting Nigeria curtail corruption, saying the US government will ensure that banks in America are not used to stash money stolen from the country.
The envoy said Nigeria was now headed in the right direction on issues like fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange rate, urging government to continue to create an environment that would attract more foreign investments.
The biggest U.S. companies in Nigeria, he said, had been here for decades, pointing out that it was important for government to maintain an environment that would attract more foreign investments to the country.
“As you continue privatization of the power grid, through President Obama’s Power Africa initiative, we stand ready to, among other things, help companies invest in building more electricity infrastructure, especially environmentally-friendly power generation. As you increase your commitment to healthcare and education, we support those efforts too,” he said.
“The last election was tremendous democratic success, not only for Nigeria, but the growth of democracy across Africa. The United States stands with every Nigerian who believes that Nigeria can be healthier, safer, and more prosperous,” the envoy said.
Entwisle who spoke at the weekend during a dinner to mark the 240th independence of the United States, said Nigeria’s future belonged to all Nigerian people, especially “Nigeria’s heroes – men and women who are brave enough to believe that they can change the world.”
He said the Obama administration remained committed to Nigeria in its fight against corruption, particularly by ensuring no stolen funds are laundered through the American banking system.
According to him, the U.S. government was offering technical assistance to Nigeria’s anti-graft agencies for the training of investigators and prosecutors, saying he looked forward to more partnership for the freedom of all Nigerians.
He also reiterated his country’s commitment to assisting Nigeria curtail corruption, saying the US government will ensure that banks in America are not used to stash money stolen from the country.
The envoy said Nigeria was now headed in the right direction on issues like fuel subsidy removal, foreign exchange rate, urging government to continue to create an environment that would attract more foreign investments.
The biggest U.S. companies in Nigeria, he said, had been here for decades, pointing out that it was important for government to maintain an environment that would attract more foreign investments to the country.
“As you continue privatization of the power grid, through President Obama’s Power Africa initiative, we stand ready to, among other things, help companies invest in building more electricity infrastructure, especially environmentally-friendly power generation. As you increase your commitment to healthcare and education, we support those efforts too,” he said.
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