Bisa Williams, United States Deputy Assistant Secretary, Bureau of African Affairs, who visited Nigeria, disclosed the US government’s position concerning Nigeria’s 2015 elections and the need for the authorities to ensure fair and non-violent polls.
In an interview, Bisa Williams stressed that the importance of diversifying the Nigerian economy. Excerpts:
US position on Nigerian elections?
Nigeria is a very fascinating and dynamic country and there are enormous interests and attractions from the international community, particularly the US, concerning your up coming elections.
Our government has said several times that we are looking forward to the elections being credible, fair, transparent and non-violent.
Our government has said several times that we are looking forward to the elections being credible, fair, transparent and non-violent.
And that is the key, because Nigeria is such a model for the young democracies in the continent, so it is important to us that the elections are conducted credibly.
United States government and those in the private sector have very great interests in Nigeria, and, during my visit here, I have met with your government, civil society leaders and business people to discuss better ways to progressive elections in your country and also ways that Nigeria can attract new investments, and curb oil theft.
Curbing oil theft in the Niger-Delta.
As a matter of fact, I was part of the delegation that came to Nigeria last December at President Jonathan’s request to assess what is happening in the Niger-Delta concerning oil theft.
We met with the oil companies, and the Nigerian authorities who are responsible for securing the water ways.
We also held a meeting in Abuja with the governments of the region and we returned to Washington DC with reports to your government on what they could do to stop oil theft that is going on in the Niger-Delta region.
Interestingly, most of our assessment actually coincided with what your own analysts came up with, so the problem and ways to approach the issue is well known.
Interestingly, most of our assessment actually coincided with what your own analysts came up with, so the problem and ways to approach the issue is well known.
Your government should really insist on application rule, accountability, rule of law and transparency in receipts and documentation. These are honest steps to addressing the issue and your government should take that decision.
Concerning our elections, what level of support are we expecting from the US government?
The level of support the US government would give to Nigeria to ensure they operate fair and transparent elections would come in many ways.
Although, Nigeria is one of the wealthiest countries in the African continent and they are quite capable of handling their elections, I am sure that the US will not relent in supporting INEC to conducting transparent elections.
We will definitely have observers. We have been meeting with all segments of your society to talk about how important we consider these elections to be for Nigerians, and how important it is for all Nigerians of voting age to be able to execute their rights, and how important it is for the elections to be peaceful.
Your government has not necessarily indicated a need for support, but when we had discussions with your government, your civil society and politicians, a lot of what was said focused on your government to ensure that INEC has all the resources it needs to conduct the elections the way they should be.
The US is ready and willing to support everything that INEC needs to make sure there are no technical confusions during the elections.
How is Nigeria’s bi-national trade with the US?
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READ MORE: http://news.naij.com/63761.html
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