2019: We’re committed to free, fair, non-violent election in Nigeria ― US govt

The government of the United States of America (US) has again affirmed that it is not supporting any particular candidate or any political party ahead of the 2019 elections in Nigeria.

Rather, it restated its commitment to ensuring credible elections in 2019 that would be devoid of violence and would be a true reflection of the wishes of Nigerians.

The US Consul-General in Lagos, Mr John F. Bray, gave the assurance when he led a delegation from the Consulate on a courtesy visit to the Managing Director of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Nsima Ekere, in his office in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

As contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by NDDC Head, Corporate Affairs, Dr Ibitoye Abosede, the US envoy said the US government was unbiased towards any political party or any particular candidate but was only interested in ensuring that the will of the people prevail in the elections.

“The United States government does not support any candidate. We support a clean, fair process in which the choices of the Nigerian people will prevail. The interest of the United States is to see a free, fair, transparent and non-violent election in Nigeria in 2019,” he assured.

The US envoy said it was important to keep an eye on the development programmes in the Niger Delta region as the country enters the political season leading to the general elections.

“As part of that, we are visiting key political institutions and figures. We are trying to work out ways our government can engage with Nigerians, candidates, INEC and security agencies as we go into the elections,” he said.

In his welcome address, the NDDC Managing Director, Mr Ekere, ppealed to the US government to support programmes that would enhance peace and security in the Niger Delta to facilitate sustainable development in the oil-rich region.

He emphasised the need for an enduring peace in the Niger Delta region, stating that security was critical for development and growth of the region in particular and the country as a whole.

“It is noteworthy that you are coming at the onset of our political season. We expect some assistance from the US government. We have specific concerns in the Niger Delta, especially during an election period like this, principally in the area of security.

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“The US government can use its influence to prevail on our politicians to allow democracy to thrive in Nigeria. If politicians can be made to play by the rules, it will help in the process of maintaining peace and security during and after the elections,” he said.

The NDDC boss said the visit of the US Consul-General was re-assuring, adding that it showed that the US government was always thinking about and working on ways to collaborate and deepen the conversation on the challenges and growth of the Niger Delta region.

Ekere remarked that NDDC had, in the last two years, recorded some tremendous achievements in the area of development in the region, recalling that the commission had just rolled out its reform agenda at a previous visit of the Consul-General at the inception of the current NDDC Board.

“We have since made tremendous and appreciable progress in reforming the Commission to be better placed to deliver on its mandate to the Niger Delta people and to Nigerians.

“A lot of the youths, because of the challenges of unemployment and poverty, lend themselves to be used by politicians as thugs.

“Most times, what makes the political process explosive and dangerous is the attitude of some sit-tight office holders who do not believe that the political process should be a referendum by the people on their performance in office,” he said.