Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa. If Nigeria succeeds at democratic governance it will be an anchor for all of West Africa. Africa needs a strong Nigeria.

We are a strong democratic country.

I am chairman of the Africa subcommittee in the House of Representatives.

The task of building, defending and strengthening your country lies with you

It's a hard case to make that the United States and others should be investing resources into a country that is squandering its own resources.

The Nigerians have been very instrumental in preserving stability in Sierra Leone. They have done this at considerable cost in dollars and Nigerian lives. The US should encourage Nigeria to stay in Sierra Leone.