Ahead of the November 18, 2017 and July 14, 2018 gubernatorial elections in Anambra and Ekiti states, the United States of America has pledged their support for free and fair elections.
Stuart Symington
While speaking during a visit to the State House in in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday, the American Ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, assured that his country will work with all stakeholders to ensure that the November 18, 2017 and July 14, 2018 gubernatorial elections in Anambra and Ekiti states respectively are free, fair and credible.
According to PUNCH, the American who gave the assurance, also commended Governor Ayodele Fayose for what he called “laudable infrastructural development” in the state.
Symington on his visit to the governor alongside his aide, Mima Torres, told Gov. Fayose that his three years in office had been keenly observed by the U.S, saying the infrastructural development strides of the governor was commendable.
He said; “We are in Ekiti because we believe in Nigeria — every state, every corner matters. We have seen what you have done in the last three years, it is very commendable.
“Our concern in the U.S. is that we want to see leaders who care about others and not themselves. We also understand that you have presidential ambition and wish to know your programme for the country.”
He urged Fayose to ensure support for Ekiti women who may be interested in agriculture, and stressed the need for free, fair and credible elections, and promised that the U.S would ensure that subsequent elections in Nigeria, particularly in Anambra and Ekiti states, are free, fair and credible.
“The U.S will work with other stakeholders to ensure that elections are free, fair and credible in Nigeria. We believe we must have elections where people will be ready and willing to participate peacefully and orderly,” Symington said.