Visiting United States Secretary of State John Kerry  has a message for Nigerian politicians: “You must win the trust of the people”. He spoke at a meeting with the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Saad Abubakar in Sokoto.

Kerry emphasised the essence of leadership especially leadership on the African continent, and urged Nigerian political leaders to lead the charge by providing people-friendly leadership. He urged Nigerains leaders to focus on development by squarely tackling corruption and insurgency both of which wear down the foundation of development.

He said that the authorities need to win the trust of the people.

“We also know that beating Boko Haram on the battlefield is only the beginning of what we must do,” Mr Kerry is quoted by the Reuters news agency as saying.

“Building public trust in government also requires cooperation from the military and law enforcement. Extremism can’t be defeated through repression or fear.”