The United States Consular General in Nigeria, Jeffry Hawkins has disclosed that the US is supporting the Nigerian democratic process with $15million.
He also expressed shock at the gruesome murder of innocent children by the dreaded Boko Haram sect in Yobe State describing it as horrible.
Speaking with newsmen at Osogbo, the Osun State capital yesterday 12th, March 2014 on the reasons for his visit to Ekiti and Osun states the Ambassador noted that peace is central to the conduct of credible election.
Hawkins, who also disclosed that his visit was meant to promote violence-free, fair and credible elections in Ekiti State in June and Osun State in August stated that the fund made available is meant for technical assistance to the electoral umpire (INEC), civil societies and political parties.
According to him, America is determined to assist in deepening all the tenets of democratic process by fully engaging all the stakeholders.
When he visited the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun State, Alhaji Ganiyu Olaoluwa, the consular general called on stakeholders to ensure that democracy that has been in practice in the USA is fully embraced in Nigeria.
He corrected the impression that America is the police of democracy but said that America share a lot in common with Nigeria and is committed to its success.
In response to the party officials demand for the removal of the state resident electoral commissioner for INEC, Mr Rufus Akeju as a condition for free, fair and credible elections, the consular opined that his country cannot dictate to Nigeria.
