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Q:You of
course met with President Jonathan Goodluck-what assurances did you
receive from him with regard to the fight against corruption, electoral
reforms and energy.

A: With the
president we spoke mostly about the issues with to concern to our
working group. The energy is another working group and we will begin
discussions in June in Washington DC. the President demonstrated not
only full commitment to addressing these issues but also a great degree
of knowledge about the complexities of carrying them out. He did not
simplify it nor did he say this was easy to carry on. His words and
emphasis were based on all the different pieces that have to be
addressed. We believe that the leadership is in place and we are very
happy to be partners in that leadership in order to make this election
happen.

Q:Presently
the country is about to have a new chairman for INEC. What kind of
person will the United states like to see appointed by the Nigerian
President going by the fact there has been a lot of complaints over the
work of the previous Chairman, Maurice Iwu.

A:We will like to
see someone that can help highlight the I (independent) in INEC. And
someone who is credible and responsible with a level of commitment to
carry out electoral reform in the way that the President has outlined
it and the way in which we will like to see it move forward. We have
every confidence that the leadership of INEC will be able to take this
organization forward in carrying out a fair and transparent election

Q:From the
Executive to the Parliament and the even the Nigerian Public the debate
about electoral reforms arising from the Uwais report has raged. What
is your position on this and do you think the report should be adopted
in its entirety.

A: We believe what
is important is for the country to make decisions- for the national
assembly and the other institutions that are in place to take on the
decisions that together will enable the 2011 elections to be fair,
credible and transparent. We have made recommendations in that regard
and we believe it is important for those recommendations to be
seriously considered. No question that time is running short and that a
great work still needs to be done.

Q:Are you
very optimistic that the 2011 elections in Nigeria will be fair and
credible and what is the basis for that optimism if there is any.

A:You are saying
that we are optimistic. I like to tell you that in the last two days we
have had very good discussions, very promising discussions of the
Bi-National Commission. They have demonstrated a very good deal of
commitment on the part of the Nigerian government and I dont mean just
in words, but very clear actions are being taken in order to move
forward all the pieces that have to fit together to make sure credible
elections are held. We believe the leadership is in place. And the real
desire on the part of Nigeria to be able to carry out an election that
not only the Nigerian people but the world can see is free and fair.

We believe that
there is a great deal of effort being made to improve the institutions
ensure institutions that contribute to credible elections including
INEC. We will be able to provide technical assistance and training to
make this process move forward. The work of this bi-national commission
is a very strong signal of the work that is being done and the reason
for our optimism as we move forward.

Q:You
harped on the importance of the fight against corruption and you the
need for the EFCC to step up to the plate. US Secretary of state
Senator Hillary Clinton also a few months back harped on the same
issue-going forward in what ways will the US partner with the EFCC to
ensure the necessary work is done in terms of high profile corruption
convictions.

A: We will continue
working with EFCC. We will work closely also in looking at legislation
and the mechanisms that will ensure that high level corrupt criminals
are brought to justice. We believe that this is an area that a great
deal of work is needed. Transparency International continues to rate
Nigerian close to the bottom. And I would like to echo Secretary
Clinton’s urging that a great deal of work still needs to be done. The
United States is ready to help but it is really Nigerians and the
Nigerian institutions that will have to turn things around.

Q:Media reports have it that the US President will soon visit Nigeria. how soon will this happen and can you confirm.

A: You said media
reports (laughter)-You know how those are. I can’t confirm. The
president has no such trip planned at this time. So, I am not open to
say anything more specific than that. There is no such plan at this
time.

For full interview please tune to NN24. DSTV Channel 414.