| YOUR LETTERS
Re: American designs in the gulf of Guinea
I am writing in response to
your editorial on the “American designs in the Gulf of Guinea” published on the back page of the Daily Trust of Wednesday, August 18, 2004. In the said editorial, you stated that “the Nigerian Air Force’s Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Jonah Wuyep, was reported the other day, as saying that Nigerian Air Force will support the American intention to deploy troops in the Gulf of Guinea.”
I am lost as to why you credited such a statement to the Chief of Air Staff. Your reporter, Ruby Rabiu, was at the press briefing during the visit of General Robert Foglesong and she will confirm to you that the Chief of Air Staff never made that statement. What the Chief of Air Staff called for was cooperation between Nigeria and USA especially in the areas of mutual concern to both countries. I am very sure that there is nothing wrong with that as no country can develop in isolation.
I cannot fathom what you mean by “the dependent manner in which Air Marshal Wuyep was kowtowing to the Americans the other day, was more in tune with neo-colonial thinking”. I know kowtowing to mean being submissive, humble or respectful. In this case, I am lost as to how Air Marshal Wuyep was submissive to the Americans as there was no reason for that.
The Chief of Air Staff did not go beyond the bounds of normal African hospitality by according the American General warm reception. The Chief has had the opportunity of being trained in various countries, including USA. He has also visited some countries, including USA, and was accorded warm reception in all the places visited. That did not mean that those countries were submissive to Nigeria. Though you are entitled to your opinion, it is obvious that your editorial was based on wrong assumptions and misinformation. This could mislead your numerous readers.
Please note that it is not the responsibility of the Chief of Air Staff to determine what the political and military interests of Nigeria should be. As a military officer, our duty is to defend the territorial integrity of Nigeria and be loyal to the constituted authority. Therefore, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal JD Wuyep did not say that the Nigerian Air Force will support the American intention to deploy troops in Gulf of Guinea. He is fully aware that such policy statements are the responsibilities of the federal government and that Nigerian Air Force cannot on its own, support another government or country.
IA Kure (Group captain) Director of Public relations and information, Nigeria Airforce Headquarters, Min. of Defence, Garki, Abuja.
IA Kure (Group captain)
Director of Public relations and information,
Nigeria Airforce Headquarters,
Min. of Defence, Garki, Abuja.
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