Ahead of the 2011 presidential poll, there are strong indications that the United States has commenced a diplomatic process to prevent tussle and division among Nigeria‘s political elite, SUNDAY PUNCH gathered on Saturday.
According to an online newswire, Empowered Newswire, the US and the United Nations, have implored Nigerians to unite, a development international observers have interpreted as an endorsement of the status quo in Nigeria‘s political set up.
Specifically, sources said the posture of the US government might turn out a blessing to the newly sworn-in president, Goodluck Jonathan, should he declare his interest in the next presidential election.
US Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, set the stage last week while commenting on the death of President Umaru Yar‘Adua.
She said, “The United States applauds the timely inauguration of President Jonathan, the lawful successor, and efforts to unify the country at this delicate moment.”
She added, “We encourage the Nigerian government to continue its movement toward national democratic elections in 2011 and offer our support and assistance in these efforts.”
Sources said the US Secretary of State mentioning the president‘s name was regarded by diplomats as an indication of the preference of his leadership in Nigeria.
One of the sources noted that the US government was being actively taken into consideration in the choice of a Vice-President and a potential running mate for Jonathan in the 2011 elections.
He posited that two of the personalities being listed (Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Yayale Ahmed, and the former boss of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, Nuhu Ribadu) were well-heeled within the US government circles.
US sources claimed that Ahmed won the hearts of top US government insiders during his recent visit to Washington DC for the launch of the US-Nigeria Bi-National Commission.
Ribadu‘s role during Jonathan‘s recent trip to the US was interpreted as having certain undercurrents.