The United States president, Barack Obama has not issued any certificate of commendation to the chairman Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Attahiru Jega, the United States embassy in Abuja has said.According to Mr. Robert Kerr, the acting embassy counsellor for Public Affairs in a letter to LEADERSHIP explained that contrary to report, “President Obama did congratulate INEC and Chairman Jega for successfully conducting the March 28 presidential elections, a letter of commendation was not presented to Chairman Jega.”
He stated further that the picture being bandied as the award was that of the US ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador (James) Entwistle and Jega while the latter was “presenting a plague to Ambassador (James) Entwistle when the Ambassador visited INEC office some months ago.”[pro_ad_display_adzone id=”10″]
Mr. Kerr stated further that the text of the statement issued by the White House in relations to Nigeria’s presidential election lauded the INEC and Jega, saying they “deserve special recognition”.
The statement by the US Department of State dated April 1 commended “Nigeria’s commitment to democratic principles.”
It added that INEC and Jega “deserve special recognition for what independent international observers have deemed a largely peaceful and orderly vote.
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“I commend INEC for its extensive efforts to increase the credibility and transparency of the electoral process,” the statement said.Adding that national attention should be turned to ensuring how the logistical challenges associated with the polls will be corrected. (Leadership)
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