The United States of America has once again blocked President Buhari’s bid to purchase fighter ground attack aircraft from Brazil.
The aircraft is considered crucial in the ongoing campaign against Boko Haram in the North-East.
The President elect prevailed on President Obama to block president Buhari from acquiring the A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft.
One source from the presidency said Brazil and Nigeria had concluded plans to buy the planes when USA interrupted the deal.
Brazil purchased 99 of the jet fighters from USA on the precondition that she will inform USA before reselling to third parties.
The Nigerian military had decided to replace our Alpha jet platform with the newer A-29 Super Tucano.
The source said that the Brazilians, who were initially enthusiastic about the deal, suddenly became reluctant.
The source said the USA had informed Embraer Defense System, producers of the aircraft and used her to block the sale.
Recall that USA also blocked the purchase of Boeing CH-47 Chinok helicopters from Israel in January 2015.
The latest development has dimmed indications that USA was relaxing the arms embargo on Nigeria.
And with the election of Donald Trump, the embargo could be extended to other products.
The USA have long ceased to purchase oil from Nigeria too.
They cite reasons of human rights violations in South-East (IPOB) and North-East (Boko Haram).
The Leahy Law prohibits the US defense sector from providing military assistance to countries involved in rights violations.
The source said, “The issue of the arms embargo against the country by the US is still in force. T
“The US is helping in the area of training.
“They also have some of their platforms like the C130 which is so crucial in the campaign and operations of the military.
“However, the surprising thing is that they have prevented us from acquiring A29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft from Brazil.”
It was learnt that the Federal Government had paid for 10 Super Mushak trainers from Pakistan.
They are expected to arrive the country by the first week of December 2016.
Source: vanguardnigeria.org
