"THE United States of America has pledged to work in concert with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, to ensure the success of the energy sector reform as espoused in the Petroleum Industry Bill currently before the National Assembly.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Robin Sanders, made this commitment on Tuesday during a courtesy visit to the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Engr. Austen Oniwon at the NNPC Towers.
Sanders who said the US considers itself as a friend and stakeholder in the Nigerian nation, stated that America would continue to support and remain committed to Nigeria through its international oil companies (IOCs) and would love to see the energy reform sail through.
She said the US has been playing very constructive role in the Nigerian energy sector which has culminated in the signing of five grants for the construction of Independent Power Projects (IPPs) in the country.
The Ambassador explained that her country”s interest in Nigeria was not just because of the strategic position it occupies in Africa and the international community, but because of the potential it has for the future, adding: ““We want to be partners in the journey to that future.””
Sanders who said the US looks forward to the consolidation of the amnesty program in order for Nigeria to realize its full production potential in both liquid and gaseous hydrocarbons, also expressed her appreciation to the Nigerian government for its willingness to accept input into the PIB."
NNPC, US synergize on PIB By Yemie Adeoye of Vanguard July 26, 2010
"Meanwhile, United States of America (USA) on Thursday called on President Goodluck Jonathan to deploy adequate funds from the excess crude account and the foreign reserves to enable the INEC to come up with a credible voters register, begin voters education as a way of demonstrating seriousness of purpose and dedication to democracy.INEC needs N72bn for voters’ register –Jega: US charges Jonathan on adequate fund for electoral proces: Senate passes electoral bill, proposes order of election Written by Soji-Eze Fagbemi and Christian Okeke, Abuja Friday, 23 July 2010
The US observed that since the nation’s reserves in the two accounts stood at US$3.2 billion and US$37 billion respectively, the country did not have an option but to use the enormous resources to fully fund the electoral process.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Robin Sanders, who made the remarks at a colloquium on electoral reform organised by Coalition of Democrats for Electoral Reform (CODER), said the biggest challenge on the roadmap to 2011 elections was time, which she said was already running out if the polls must be held in January or February next year.
She said INEC would need to register nearly 13 million voters every month, which translate into 500,000 daily or 50,000 voters every hour, adding that the body would also need to ensure that nearly 25,000 polling booths were ready every month.
According to her, “The Nigerian voter wants a 2011 election that is fair, free, credible and most importantly, transparent. Voters with the right attitude are also necessary for a successful election. Your vote must reflect your desire to have leadership that can help Nigeria move forward on things like improving the education, health and agricultural sectors and addressing other challenges such as ending the culture of impunity against corruption or corrupt officials."
