Speeches

Ambassador John Campbell
Remarks
Courtesy Call on the Emir of Bauchi

April 4, 2006, 5:00 p.m.
Bauchi

Your Royal Highness, Peace be upon you.

On behalf of my colleagues from the US Embassy, I thank you most sincerely for granting us audience in your palace this morning.

I am delighted to visit your magnificent city, and to meet with you and your community.

Bauchi has an exciting history both as part of the hierarchy of the Emirs of the Sokoto Caliphate, and as the birth place of Nigeria's first Prime Minister.

Tomorrow, through the kindness of my hosts, I will be able to visit the tomb of the late Prime Minister as well as the Library.

They are but one example of the rich cultural history to be found in this part of Nigeria, and you as a custodian of that rich cultural history play a key role in promotion of dialogue, understanding and tolerance.

While here in your palace, I want to tell the entire Muslim community in Nigeria, through you, that: America treasures your friendship. America honors your faith.

Islam is a religion that brings hope and comfort to more than a billion people around the world. This includes millions of American Muslims and Nigerians.

An important part of America's moral fiber is tolerance. We reject all forms of religious intolerance. And we grieve when people are the victims of religious bigotry.

I can assure you that Americans stand firmly with Nigerians in opposing those who commit evil in God's name.

The major part of my visit to your State is to inaugurate the Shared Futures Program for distribution of sewing machines and school kits to the underprivileged, declare the American Corner open for public use, and inspect a USAID supported health facility in Yelwa.

These programs represent a strong and growing partnership between the people of Bauchi and the American people - that is investing in our common future.

Thank you again for receiving us.

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