Vunderkind
Social Member
Mr Jeffrey Hawkins, Consul-General, U.S. Consulate General, Lagos on Wednesday disclosed that the U.S. was committing technical assistance worth 15 million dollars to the nation’s democratic process.
Hawkins made this disclosure while fielding questions from newsmen at an interactive session in Osogbo on the forthcoming Aug. 9 gubernatorial election and 2015 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. official also paid a courtesy visit on the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, Alhaji Gani OlaOluwa.
Hawkins explained that the fund for technical assistance ``is for democratic governance projects of the electoral commission, civil societies and other important stakeholders.’’
``The United States is committed to Nigeria’s democracy as Nigeria is an important partner; the U.S. mission is gearing up to assist in ensuring free and fair elections.
``For the elections coming up in South West Nigeria in Osun and Ekiti this year, what we are emphasising is non-violent elections.
``Like Nigerians, we do not see violence as part of election; this is the major reason why the U.S. mission is discussing with political parties civil societies, security agencies and other groups.
``The United States shares a very strong relationship with Nigeria, this is why we are putting our money where our mouth is,’’ Hawkins said.
According to the official, the success of the elections in Osun and Ekiti as well as the general elections in 2015 should be of great concern to all stakeholders.
In a meeting with the PDP Chairman, Hawkins called for peace and maturity before, during and after the governorship election.
Hawkins said: ``as much as possible, the mission will endeavour to meet with all participating political parties and the security chiefs.’’
Responding, OlaOluwa, pledged that the party would ``play the game according to the rules’’.
Hawkins made this disclosure while fielding questions from newsmen at an interactive session in Osogbo on the forthcoming Aug. 9 gubernatorial election and 2015 general elections.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the U.S. official also paid a courtesy visit on the Chairman, Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun, Alhaji Gani OlaOluwa.
Hawkins explained that the fund for technical assistance ``is for democratic governance projects of the electoral commission, civil societies and other important stakeholders.’’
``The United States is committed to Nigeria’s democracy as Nigeria is an important partner; the U.S. mission is gearing up to assist in ensuring free and fair elections.
``For the elections coming up in South West Nigeria in Osun and Ekiti this year, what we are emphasising is non-violent elections.
``Like Nigerians, we do not see violence as part of election; this is the major reason why the U.S. mission is discussing with political parties civil societies, security agencies and other groups.
``The United States shares a very strong relationship with Nigeria, this is why we are putting our money where our mouth is,’’ Hawkins said.
According to the official, the success of the elections in Osun and Ekiti as well as the general elections in 2015 should be of great concern to all stakeholders.
In a meeting with the PDP Chairman, Hawkins called for peace and maturity before, during and after the governorship election.
Hawkins said: ``as much as possible, the mission will endeavour to meet with all participating political parties and the security chiefs.’’
Responding, OlaOluwa, pledged that the party would ``play the game according to the rules’’.
