2011 election results to be declared at polling units -Jonathan

Details: Category: Politics; Published on Wednesday, 03 November 2010 07:36; Written by Admin; Hits: 1893

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday assured the international community of his administration’s resolve to ensure full compliance with all electoral laws, especially the stipulation that election results must be declared at the polling units.

He said it is only by sticking to the rule of declaring results at the polling units that the 2011 elections will be accepted as credible locally and internationally.

“We are committed to conduct elections that will be acknowledged as credible both locally and internationally. This time around, we are committed to the philosophy of one man, one vote, and we will stick to our electoral laws, ensuring that results are declared at the polling units,” Jonathan said when he received letters of credence from the ambassadors of Uganda, The Netherlands, China, Indonesia, Egypt, Canada, Turkey and the United States of America in State House, Abuja.

The new US ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Terence P. McCulley, who replaces Ms. Robin Sanders, said the US “considers Nigeria as a great friend and partner”, adding that his country will continue to work with Nigeria in advancing development in Africa.

The new Dutch ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Bert Ronhaar, expressed the desire of his government towards a speedy passage of the Petroleum Industry Bill owing to Dutch investments in the nation’s oil sector.

The new U.S. Ambassador Terence P. McCulley, a career member of the Senior Foreign Service, in testimony before the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, emphasized the importance of good governance and accountability as keys to Nigeria realizing its enormous potential.

McCulley served most recently as the Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Copenhagen, Denmark from 2008 to 2010.