Nigeria's 2015 Election Will Draw Global Attention – US

The United States of America said the 2015 general election in Nigeria will draw global attention and that the country would have an opportunity then to prove a model for all of Africa if the election was free, fair, and transparent.

Speaking with civil society experts in Abuja, the US Permanent Representative to the United Nations (UN) and member of President Barrack Obama's Cabinet, Ambassador Samantha Power, noted t hat time had come for serious preparations for the poll.

She said: “Now is the time to lay the groundwork for the 2015 elections and civil society can play a big part in that by demanding fair campaign practices, raising voter awareness, and training to participate as poll observers.”

She said US Government noted with concern the irregularities in the last month's gubernatorial election in Anambra State, especially as elections were coming up soon both in Ekiti and Osun states.

Power equally spoke about acts of terrorism in the country.

She said: “Tragically, we have both been targeted by terrorists. The brutality of the attacks against your people is shocking.

“In responding to these attacks, it is essential that we do so in consistent with the most fundamental of international human rights norms. The United States is concerned by some of the stories we hear of inhumane detention practices in Nigeria, and I have discussed those with officials here.

“Security crackdowns that do not discriminate between legitimate targets and innocent civilians are both counterproductive and wrong. We know how hard it is to fight insurgency and terrorism, but we have also seen how much more effective we are when we put the welfare of the local population at the heart of our efforts.

“I was pleased to hear President Jonathan's announcement earlier this month of his development plan for the North-East. Efforts to fight poverty, create jobs, and respect the dignity and rights of all people would help lay a foundation for longer term progress.

Tribune