US Consular John Bray made this revelation while speaking in Lagos. He said;
“The United States values freedom of the press as a key component of democratic governance. I’ve been in Nigeria for nearly six years; I’ve been Consular General (CG) since 2015, and as CG, I’ve visited each of the 17 states in southern Nigeria, almost all of them, on multiple locations.
I’ve spoken with hundreds, perhaps, thousands of Nigerians about democracy, elections and the history of Nigeria. These conversations have confirmed my belief that Nigeria has a vibrant democracy. Democratic societies are not infallible, but, they are accountable, and the exchange of ideas is the foundation for accountable governance.
Peaceful and credible elections are essential to Nigeria’s continued economic, political, and social development, so, I am interested in your discussion today, on media and the transparency of the 2019 election.
Nigeria plays a vital role on the world stage, and as the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, Nigeria’s stability is crucial to the security and economic prosperity of the rest of the continent. Nigeria’s future is full of promise and opportunity. The US government is dedicated to supporting Nigerians in ensuring that the 2019 election will be transparent, credible and peaceful.”
