U.S. Senators Applaud Jega On 2011 Elections

Abuja, June 02, (THEWILL) - A visiting delegation of United States Senators has lauded the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the credible conduct of the 2011 general elections.

Senator Johnny Isakson, who spoke during a courtesy visit on Thursday to the Commission’s headquarters in Abuja in company of his colleague, Senator Chris Coons, praised the INEC Chairman, Professor Attahiru Jega, for providing leadership with vision and wisdom in the conduct of the election.

Isakson said: “We must convey our congratulations to you, M. Chairman, and members of the Commission for conducting one of most successful elections in the history of this country.”

He noted that INEC braved obvious challenges that often come the way of developing democracy to deliver free, fair and credible elections, saying: “It is a process that is difficult. We also know that leadership is the key. Mr. Chairman, everywhere we have gone in Nigeria, praises are heaped on your shoulders for the vision, wisdom and insight you have used during the elections.

“The decision to postpone the election by about 10 days to make sure everyone was ready and every one voted was a welcome development. The people of this great country have been served well.”

The visiting U.S. senators pledged their willingness to use their offices to encourage further support and partnership from their home government in the Commission’s resolve to improve electoral outcome in the future.

In his remarks, Professor Jega informed the Senators that INEC is now focused on the crucial task of consolidating the modest gains made in the April elections. Towards this end, he said the Commission would undergo restructuring to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in the conduct of its activities.

The visiting Senators were accompanied by the US Ambassador in Nigeria, Terrence McCulley, and the USAID Director, Ray Kirkland, among others.