US Lauds FG On Uwais Committee Report

The United States of America yesterday commended the Federal Government for its decision to transmit the full, unedited Justice Mohammed Uwais Electoral Reform Committee report to the National Assembly.

A statement from the country’s Embassy in Abuja said that the action demonstrated government’s willingness to work toward holding more transparent elections.

“We applaud this bold action to send the unedited report to the National Assembly, which demonstrates Nigeria’s willingness to work toward holding more transparent elections,” it said.

The statement said that the National Assembly now had the opportunity to consider a wider range of potential reforms recommended by the Committee.

It expressed the hope that the assembly would deliberate and move forward quickly on “the passage of important electoral reforms so that key steps could be taken toward holding credible elections in Nigeria in 2011’’. 

“We encourage the Nigerian Government to continue in this positive direction. 

“As a friend and partner of Nigeria, the U.S. will continue to work with the people and Government of Nigeria to strengthen and enrich democratic institutions in Nigeria, particularly regarding election reform.

“U.S. stands ready to support the Nigerian Government and the people of Nigeria in achieving free and fair national elections in 2011,” it added.

Our correspondent recalls that the Justice Uwais’ committee had recommended that the National Judicial Commission should shortlist three persons for consideration to the National Council of State for appointment as INEC chairman.

The Council of State is to select one of the candidates and send the name to the Senate for confirmation as INEC chairman, but the government rejected the recommendation.

Our correspondent also recalls that following the rejection, individuals, groups and organisations who felt that it was a wrong decision, advised the government to reconsider the committee’s recommendation, especially on the appointment of INEC chairman.