Port Harcourt – The U.S. on Wednesday said it was willing to assist the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in delivering credible elections, especially in 2015.
Mr Thomas Hines, the Chief Political Secretary of the American Consulate in Nigeria, made the promise when he visited the Resident Electoral Commissioner for Rivers, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, in Port Harcourt.
Hines described Nigeria as one of America’s greatest partners in Africa, which made America’s commitment towards credible electoral process in the country imperative.
‘’We will assist Nigeria as much as we can to ensure that there is free, fair and acceptable elections in February.
“We will achieve this through partnership in training of staff, providing necessary education for credible elections,’’ the consul said.
He said that America’s position was informed by its long term relationship with Nigeria, adding that democratic prosperity of Nigeria was the concern of America.
Hines assured of America’s readiness to strengthen Nigeria’s democracy through all the necessary supports.
Responding, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mr Aniedi Ikoiwak, thanked the American consulate in Nigeria for extending hands of fellowship to INEC.
Ikoiwak said it was a demonstration of America’s love for Nigeria, as one of its longest partners.
He, however, commended the international community in general and America in particular, for consolidating Nigeria’s external relationships.
