Monrovia – Nigeria’s new ambassador accredited to Liberia is seeking collaborative efforts from the Government of Liberian to stop the proliferation of small arms and light weapons, which he said is posing serious security challenges in the sub-region.
Ambassador James Dimka, who replaces outgoing Ambassador Chigozie Fidelia Obi-Nnadozie, said preventing small arms proliferation is important considering the destruction of lives and properties occasioned by militant groups like Boko Haram in Nigeria and its immediate neighbours, and others in Mali, and also cited the recent disturbances in Burkina Faso.
Presenting his Letter of Credence to President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Nigerian diplomat said, he has a mandate to ensure the well-being of his law-abiding compatriots in Liberia in line with the objectives of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
“I intend to encourage them to continue the good work of helping in the development of the host country.
This brings to the fore the work being done by the Nigerian contingent in UNMIL and those being done by our technical aid corps members and the private sector.”
Ambassador Dimka also assured the Liberian President of his esteemed cooperation and support to further expand and deepen the existing bonds of friendship and the economic ties between Liberian and Nigeria at all levels.
“In this regards I have been mandated to work with your Excellency to ensure that Liberia maintains its rightful place of honour and dignity particularly in the sub-region and also within the committee of nations.”
“Permit me your Excellency to further reassure you that as Nigeria had done during the trying moments of this beautiful country of liberty, it will continue to stand in solidarity with Liberia now and always.”
He expressed hope and optimism that while he is in Liberia he will be able to work closely with the President, her Cabinet and other heads of key state agencies and departments. The Nigeria Diplomat furthered expressed his belief that it is in the mutual interest of the two countries to forge closer economic ties and unity of purpose.
Receiving the Ambassador’s Letter of Credence, President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf welcome him and said, Liberia and Nigeria have a long history of diplomatic relationship and hope that the two countries can continue to build on the good, existing relationship.
The Liberian leader recounted the contribution Nigeria has made to Liberia, stating back to the peace accord, with Nigeria being the first country to make it presences felt with the commitment of military troops, setting the base for the arrival of other troops.
She also disclosed that Nigeria has contributed to the health and education sector of Liberia through the dispatch of teachers and doctors to Liberia.
Prior to his appointment as Ambassador to Liberia, Mr. Dimka, who comes from a media background, worked as a lecturer in one of the state universities and served as a very strong member of the ruling APC party of President Buhari.