Nigeria's Commitment to the Future - Transparency and Security

WASHINGTON, Sept. 29, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- During last week's United Nations General Assembly and Security Council meeting, and on the back of confirming Nigeria is free of the Ebola Virus Disease, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan focused attention on the country's commitment to democratic elections and reminded the world of his commitment to combatting terrorism.

With the full force of his convictions and Administration, he assured the international community that next year's general elections in Nigeria will be conducted in accordance with global best practices to further strengthen the country's democratic institutions.

In addressing the United Nations, the President reaffirmed that we must now capitalize on the commitment and evident determination of the Security Council to seek more innovative responses to the threat of terrorism and in particular to the growing menace of foreign fighters. Nigeria knows too well the destructive effects of terrorist activities.

"The people of Nigeria and indeed the entire peace-loving world were horrified at the gruesome murder of two American journalists and a British aid worker by elements linked to the Islamic State (I.S). These murders typify the new face of global terrorism marked by executions, extreme brutality and impunity," said President Jonathan in the speech at the High Level Meeting of the United Nations Security Council.

As daunting as the challenge in fighting terrorism may be, Nigerians have faced it with unrelenting determination, mobilising all the resources available to ensure that the scourge of terrorism is rooted out of our nation. In addition to our counterterrorism efforts, the Administration has evolved initiatives to alleviate the plight of the population in the affected communities.

Efforts include a holistic effort through the Presidential Initiative for the North East (PINE) which is aimed at providing immediate relief and fast tracking the infrastructural re-development of the region. It also has as a core goal, an integrated effort at achieving the de-radicalisation of potential terrorist recruits.

A Victims Support Fund has raised about 500 million dollars of the expected minimum of one billion dollars in direct support of the victims of acts of terrorism. This is in addition to the Safe Schools Initiative championed by Mr. Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister, and currently the UN Special Envoy for Global Education. Nigeria's Federal Government is rigorously supporting this initiative.

Concerning the 2015 elections, the President said that in keeping with his administration's dedication to openness and transparency in the conduct of public affairs, international observers will be allowed to freely monitor the 2015 elections and affirm that the elections are as free, fair and credible as his administration has promised.

"Next year's general elections in Nigeria will be conducted in accordance with global best practices to further strengthen the country's democratic institutions," said President Jonathan.

Only by united action and firm resolve can we address our threats at home – combat terrorism and ensure all Nigerians see elections that are progressively better, freer and more credible.

These materials are distributed by LEVICK on behalf of the News Agency of Nigeria. Additional information is available at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C.