A
abujagirl
Guest
The United States said it would support the Independent Electoral Commission, INEC and the civil society organisations in the area of voter education as a build up to general elections in 2015.
U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, made this promise during an interactive session with the management, staff and students of the University of Jos in in Jos on Thursday.
He said the general elections would be an important test for Nigeria and urged Nigerians to brace to the challenge.
He stated that the US would lend its support to complement Nigeria’s efforts to succeed in the exercise but would not dictate to Nigeria.
"One thing the two countries have in common is big and vibrant democracies and we are looking forward to Nigeria having a great democratic exercise in 2015. We will support the electoral commission and the civil society in the area of voters' education.’
He called on journalists to tell politicians when they come seeking for votes to make a pledge that they will not advocate, support or condone violence before, during and after the elections.
"The radio and televisions have a great role to play here during the period before and after the elections. I encourage the media to make the retinue of politicians who want the peoples' votes to commit themselves on the radio, television and the waves that they will promote non-violence’’, he said.
Entwistle said the establishment of businesses in Nigeria by some big US companies was a sign that Americans have found Nigeria conducive to do business.
The ambassador said that the US had close relationship with Nigeria in tackling security challenges and would continue with the collaboration.
"The US will be enjoying a close cooperation with Nigeria during its Presidency of United Nations Security Council.
U.S Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, made this promise during an interactive session with the management, staff and students of the University of Jos in in Jos on Thursday.
He said the general elections would be an important test for Nigeria and urged Nigerians to brace to the challenge.
He stated that the US would lend its support to complement Nigeria’s efforts to succeed in the exercise but would not dictate to Nigeria.
"One thing the two countries have in common is big and vibrant democracies and we are looking forward to Nigeria having a great democratic exercise in 2015. We will support the electoral commission and the civil society in the area of voters' education.’
He called on journalists to tell politicians when they come seeking for votes to make a pledge that they will not advocate, support or condone violence before, during and after the elections.
"The radio and televisions have a great role to play here during the period before and after the elections. I encourage the media to make the retinue of politicians who want the peoples' votes to commit themselves on the radio, television and the waves that they will promote non-violence’’, he said.
Entwistle said the establishment of businesses in Nigeria by some big US companies was a sign that Americans have found Nigeria conducive to do business.
The ambassador said that the US had close relationship with Nigeria in tackling security challenges and would continue with the collaboration.
"The US will be enjoying a close cooperation with Nigeria during its Presidency of United Nations Security Council.