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| Last Updated: Jan 19th, 2012 - 11:25:19 |
Election 2011
President meets with Nigerian community in South Africa, pledges credible elections and good governance
Jun 12, 2010, 22:58
| | The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment to credible elections and good governance in the country, by ensuring that the votes of Nigerians count in subsequent elections.
President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan gave the assurance on Saturday June 12 during an interactive session with members of the Nigerian Community in South Africa which held at the Burgers Park Hotel in Pretoria, South Africa.
President Jonathan said his administration will do all it can to ensure that political office holders emerge through credible election processes.
“We are determined to ensure that henceforth no political office holder will suffer credibility issues regarding elections. From the next general elections in 2011, Nigerians who will hold political offices will be properly elected and it will be very clear to all including international observers that they emerged through a credible process,” President Jonathan stated.
The President also assured that his administration will give the needed support and autonomy to the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) and its chairman-designate, Professor Attahiru Jega, to conduct credible elections in the country.
“It is our collective responsibility to support Jega to succeed,” Jonathan said.
While acknowledging the contributions of Nigerians in Diaspora to national development, Dr. Jonathan said Government is working with the National Assembly for an enabling legislation to establish a Diaspora Commission that will address Diaspora issues and properly channel the contributions of Nigerians abroad for greater benefits.
He enjoined Nigerians abroad to keep faith in the nation as Government is working round the clock to address critical national issues of infrastructural development especially in the energy, education and health sectors.
Contributing, Senate President, David Mark, noted that Nigeria’s image and international appearance have improved tremendously since the Jonathan administration assumed leadership of the country. He assured that the Legislature will not relent in ensuring checks and balances in governance.
In his remarks, Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Buba Marwa, applauded the Federal Government on steps being taken to address issues of national development.
He added that relations between Nigeria and South Africa have improved significantly, pointing out that the 3-year visa regime for Nigerian immigrants is already in operation.
Nigerians who spoke at the meeting generally called on the Federal Government to put in place critical national infrastructure as well as a reliable demographic data base that will facilitate economic planning for national development.
President Jonathan was accompanied by the Governors of Ogun, Kwara, Borno, Rivers, Edo and Delta; the Ministers of Information, Foreign Affairs, Women Affairs and Sports, as well as Presidential aides.
© Copyright 2012 nigeriafirst.org
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