As the nation continues to prepare for
the 2015 general election, discussions aimed at establishing benchmarks
for a transparent and inclusive poll would top the agenda at the United
States-Nigeria Bi-National Commission (BNC) which opens in Abuja today.The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Martin
Uhomoibhi, would lead the Nigerian delegation, while the Assistant
Secretary of State for African Affairs, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, would
lead the US delegation at the February 17 to 18 meeting.
According to a statement issued by the US Embassy in Abuja yesterday,
the Governance, Transparency, and Integrity Working Group of the BNC
would also discuss the continued integration of the civil society into
the electoral process ahead of the next general election in Nigeria. It read in part: “On governance issues, corruption is a potential
impediment to effective governance and economic development in Nigeria.
Through the BNC, we aim jointly to improve Nigeria’s capacity to fight
corruption.
“The commission allows for dialogue and strategic thinking designed to
expand mutual cooperation across a broad range of shared interests. It
is also a collaborative forum to build partnerships for tangible and
measurable progress on issues critical to the United States and Nigeria.“Participation in the commission meeting reflects the commitment of the
United States and Nigeria to their strong bilateral relationship. The
United States supports the aspirations of the Nigerian people for a
peaceful, prosperous, stable, and democratic future.”The BNC was inaugurated in April 2010.
Source: The New Day
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