CORRUPT NIGERIAN OFFICIALS CAN'T HIDE IN U.S. – ENVOY

Nigeria, yesterday, said it is willing to cooperate with the United States to ensure that government officials who steal public funds do not find a safe harbour in America.

Nigeria's Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Adebowale Adefuye, told reporters in Washington D.C. that zero-tolerance to corruption remained a key feature of President Goodluck Jonathan's administration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that senior U.S. Government officials had confirmed the revocation of visas granted to some former government officials linked to corrupt practices.

U.S Government officials said the restrictions would be extended to families and cronies of such government officials.

Adefuye described the development as most 'welcome,' citing the present administration's determined efforts to curtail tendencies that give the country a bad name in the international community.

'I have not been officially informed (of the revocations) but if my opinion is sought, I will support any move to discourage corruption.

'They should not revoke only their visas but also that of their children and families not only in Nigeria, but also in Africa,' he said. The Nigerian envoy urged western countries to repatriate stolen funds to Africa, adding that a lack of political will and legal technicalities had made it impossible for such loot to return to national confers.