US committed to free, fair election in Nigeria - US Consular General

The United States of America, has reiterated its commitment to free and fair elections in Nigeria in 2015.

The US Consul General in Nigeria, Jeffrey Hawkins made this known at the 5th Democracy and Political Participation Conference in Lagos. The conference organised by Youth For Transparency International, YTI, in conjunction with the United States Consulate, had Professor Pat Utomi and Ambassador Folake Marcus-Bello as guest speakers.

In his opening remarks, Hawkins noted that a large number of the electorate in Nigeria were under 30 and their involvement, engagement and commitment was what will move Nigeria’s democracy forward.

According to him, “General elections in Nigeria is next year and US is interested and focused on a free and fair election in Nigeria in 2015.”

and even beyond the elections because Nigeria has witnessed political violence in the past and we expect a situation where Nigerians go about this business freely even after elections.

“America supports and believes in government transparency and the youths contribution to it, in addition to civil society groups, Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and other agencies.”

In her presentation at the conference, Ambassador Marcus-Bello, harped on youths participation in elections, urging the youths to hold jealously to their voters cards and vote boldly on election days for the right candidates.

According to her, “If you don’t register to vote or have your voters card, you have no right to complain.

“ The most important thing is to participate by way of voting and also in encouraging others to come out and exercise their franchise instead of grumbling which cannot achieve any result.”