United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Mary Beth Leonard ahead of the Anambra Guber election, stated that the forthcoming election in the state, provides another opportunity for Ndi-Anambra to shape their future by electing a leader that will be responsive to their yearnings.
According to the report by the Anambra State Broadcasting Service, ABS, the United States Ambassador while speaking on the forthcoming Anambra Guber election, called on relevant stakeholders, including the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC and security agencies to be professional in their conducts to guarantee successful conduct of the exercise.
ABS correspondent Joseph Egbeocha who made the report on Wednesday for the state news outlet, stated that while speaking on ABS radio program, “Nzuko Anambra”, Ambassador Leonard said as a friend of Nigeria, the US is interested in the conduct of the Anambra governorship election, expressing hope that party faithful, INEC officials will be free from all forms of intimidation before, during and after the exercise.
She said how objective INEC is, the impartiality of security agencies, freedom of the press on activities going on, and freedom of voters to exercise their franchise are determinants of a free and fair election, urging security agencies to provide enabling environment for Ndi-Anambra to elect their leader.
While encouraging Ndi-Anambra to be peaceful while participating in Saturday’s election, the US Ambassador, who maintained that the US will continue to promote good governance and strengthen democracy in Nigeria by supporting free and fair election, organising civic engagements among women, youths and the physically challenged, as well as building capacity of the electoral body, among other things, said there are consequences for individuals who contribute in undermining Nigerian democratic process.