US Has Committed $35m To Electoral Process in Nigeria - Ambassador

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Terence McCulley, the United States Ambassador to Nigeria at a forum on democracy and good governance jointly organised by the US embassy in Nigeria and the American corner in Abuja has revealed that his country through the United States Agency For International Development, USAID and support of the United Kingdom DFID has so far committed $35 million in support of the Nigeria elections.

 

The Ambassador said the funds, which is in form of technical assistance to the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC is to help create a credible electoral process in Nigeria.

 

Terence said the 2011 elections offer Nigeria the opportunity of demonstrating its commitments to lasting democratic values and institutions.

 

Terence described the postponement of the National Assembly polls as a new test for Nigerians which underlying challenge, he said is the conduct of peaceful,free, fair and transparent elections.

 

He also warned Nigerian politicians against inflammatory rhetoric and acts of intimidation which he said have no place in democratic society.

 

Terence who noted that free,fair and credible elections are important part of the democracy said Nigeria should take the next step to achieve its potential by embracing fully institutions, practises and values of democratic governance.

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Democratically governed nations, Terence said, delivers safer, more just, and prosperous lives to their citizens.

 

A strong democratic culture, he noted, is more likely to secure, deter aggression, expand markets,promote development,and combat terrorism and crime.

 

Terence also commended Nigeria’s support and contribution to liberation movements in Africa, contribute to regional actions in support of peace, security and humanitarian efforts across the world as a leader in ECOWAS and at the United Nations .

 

He added that while United States will continue to promote democracy and respect for human rights as part of its foreign policy, his country is not seeking for a particular formular for a democratic construct because “democracy is as diverse as the global community”.

 

The event was attended by members of civil society organisations and faith based groups.

 

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