Nigeria’s 2019 Election Our ‘Major Priority Focus’ – U.S

The United States says Nigeria’s 2019 general election and a peaceful transition in government is it’s ‘major priority focus’.

The US Department of State made the disclosure over the weekend while briefing newsmen on US Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson’s first visit to Africa.

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The Department said it placed the election as one of its top priorities, due to Nigeria’s strategic position in African.

It said it is against countries currently with democratically elected governments having transitions through undemocratic means.

Tillerson is expected to visit Nigeria and four other African countries from March 6 to 13, Spokesperson for the Department, Ms Heather Nauert said last week.

During his visit to Abuja, Tillerson is expected to meet with President Muhammadu Buhari and other top government functionaries.

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“As we look at the 2019 elections, obviously Nigeria, though it’s not this year, that really is a major priority focus, because that’s going to be the third most populous country in the world by 2050,” the state department said.

“It has really very complex political issues and ethnic, tribal and security issues.

“And that’s an area that we really are focusing on; on how to do a peaceful and democratic transition.

“But more important is how to hold governments accountable to the people.”

The U.S played a major role in ensuring a peaceful transition of power in the 2015 General elections.

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Former Secretary of State, John Kerry, visited Nigeria days to the 2015 election. He met with Former President Goodluck Jonathan and President Muhammadu Buhari, who were front runners.

Kerry also attended the inauguration of President Muhammadu Buhari on 29 May, 2015.

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