The United States Deputy Secretary of State, Mr. John Negroponte, has expressed dissatisfaction with the political violence and corruption in Nigeria, Cote d�Ivoire and some other countries.
According to Empowered Newswire report on Monday, Negroponte said his recent trip to some African countries, including Nigeria, Mali and Cote d�Ivoire, revealed the citizens� frustration with the level of violence and corruption.
Specifically on Nigeria, the top US official said that the 2007 general election was flawed and �drew international condemnation and raised legitimate questions about the incoming government.�
He said, �In both Nigeria and Cote d�Ivoire, I spoke with representatives of a vibrant civil society and a free press. They spoke to me of people�s frustration with violence and corruption; and of their desire for good governance and prosperity.
�Like all nations, Nigeria and Cote d�Ivoire have made missteps on their democratic journeys, but their journeys continue as the leaders of both countries acknowledge the need for reform.
�We must help them and support them and I look forward to the future when we can welcome them to this community of democracy.�
Negroponte�s voice is a significant one in US and international circles, considering his closeness with the current American leadership.
He is a confidant of President George Bush, who had sent him to Iraq as ambassador after the American invasion of that country.
Besides, Negroponte was the first occupant of the powerful office of the US National Director of Intelligence created after the September 11 attacks on the US. In that office, Negroponte briefed Bush on a daily basis and took over the central coordination of US intelligence agencies, including the CIA.
He was the US government�s main voice against the third term plot during the Obasanjo administration.
The US deputy secretary of state, however, praised President Umaru Yar�Adua�s respect for the rule of law.
He also commended the President for speaking �the truth about the Zimbabwean regime�s disregard for the rule of law, and I applaud his honesty.�
He said that the US and other democratic countries in Africa �must help those countries where elections threaten to be a mere tool for accumulating power. Where leaders have sought to use their mandate from the voters to eliminate checks and undermine democratic institutions.�
According to him, �Democracy is rule by laws and institutions not by individuals. It does not concentrate power in one person or office. It does not shut down the press and use guns to overwhelm its opponents. It does not shut down NGO�s and civil society.�
Nov202007