"From all indications, time constraints and lack of funds are among the major problems Jega has identified as the problems threatening the conduct of the 2011 elections. The international community is equally worried by the dark cloud which now hangs over the January date of the 2011 elections. It is against this background that Robin Sanders, the United States ambassador to Nigeria last week appealed to President Jonathan to release enough funds for the commission to carry out its functions. She said the president should do so, “even if it means taking money from the excess crude accounts and the huge external reserves.”
The American envoy insisted that “it is critically important that Nigeria holds a credible, free and fair elections in 2011” and INEC should be adequately funded to do a good job. “This is your election. It must be funded not by development partners, but by yourselves. You have enormous resources. We urge the Nigerian government to properly and adequately fund INEC. You are the major or only stakeholders in the process,” Sanders said."
Road Blocks to 2011 Polls Written by Chris Ajaero, Newswatch (Wednesday, 28 July 2010) (pdf Print)
"The outgoing envoy, Sanders, in her farewell address, said her country was unwavering in its encouragement for Nigeria’s upliftment of democratic ideals especially between November 2009, and March 2010.
She however pointed out that FG’s promise of credible elections should be transformed to reality so that Nigeria can enjoy true democracy.
“I have had the opportunity to interact with the new Chairman of INEC, and I wish him all the best. He has a tough task ahead of him but he really has a good vision for where he wants to go and what he wants to do. He is new and we have to support him because the election future rests on his ability to execute and we all have to be 100% behind him.
“Remember democracies are messy as they are about a clash of ideas, they are not about violence, they are not about corruption, but they are about transparent and credible elections.”"
FG Seeks Continued US Support, Condoles Pakistan: US envoy expresses confidence in Jega from Damilola Oyedele, ThisDay in Abuja, 07.30.2010
"Abuja — Outgoing United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Dr. Robin Renee Sanders was at the weekend showered with praises as she prepares to depart Nigeria at the end of August after a meritorious service that spanned about three years as the US envoy.
Nigeria's president, Goodluck Jonathan, who was represented by the Foreign Affairs Minister, Henry Odein Ajumogobia, said during a colourful ceremony in honour of Sanders at her residence, that Dr. Sanders had distinguished herself with candour, knowledge and intellect in the dispensation of her career demands.
He stressed that Sanders epitomized the warm diplomatic relations between US and Nigeria, which had flourished over the years and carved a niche for herself in propagating the great image of America just as her predecessors did.Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, also added his voice to the glowing tributes, saying that Sanders embodied mutual respect and passion for industrial and commercial initiatives, which had immensely contributed to the development of Nigeria.
In her remarks, Dr. Sanders recounted her memorable experience serving in Nigeria and the incredible support she got from Team Nigeria. She thanked the Nigerian government for the warm treatment she received during her service as an ancestral sister of the soil and a friend.
She declared US support for Nigeria in her quest for transparent elections as she advocated total rehabilitation of the Niger Delta militants. She admonished the country in her "My at 50 list for Nigeria" message to give sincere priority to credible elections, food security and education.
Her words: " you are at a point where speaking out for credible elections must turn into reality- and thoughtful consideration as to how you get there, what choices you make, what path you take to have a transparent election so that the conduct of your polls can secure your democratic destiny. And I know that the new INEC is trying to do these things"."
Nigeria: Tributes as Sanders Bids Farewell By Innocent Odoh of Leadership (Abuja) 1 August 2010
