Former Oklahoma congressman to join Bush in Africa

<br>TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ A former Oklahoma congressman who helped organize a coalition for AIDS relief in Africa plans to join President Bush's African tour. <br><br>J.C. Watts said he will join Bush

Wednesday, July 9th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

TULSA, Okla. (AP) _ A former Oklahoma congressman who helped organize a coalition for AIDS relief in Africa plans to join President Bush's African tour.

J.C. Watts said he will join Bush on Saturday in Nigeria.

``The president recognizes the strategic importance of African nations and the African people to the cause of peace and freedom in our world,'' Watts said Tuesday.

Watts led two congressional trade missions to Africa during his tenure as chairman of the House Republican Conference.

He founded the Coalition for AIDS Relief in Africa as chairman of the J.C. Watts Cos.

The coalition is an affiliate of the Corporate Council on Africa, which has organized corporations, faith-based organizations and others in support of Bush's $15 billion emergency plan for AIDS relief and prevention.