Hillary Rodham Clinton
Secretary of State
British Foreign Secretary David Miliband, French Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner, EU High Representative Catherine Ashton
London, United Kingdom
January 28, 2010
We express our deep regret at the recent violence and tragic loss of lives in Jos, and extend our sympathies to the bereaved and injured. We urge all parties to exercise restraint and seek peaceful means to resolve differences between religious and ethnic groups in Nigeria. We call on the Federal Government to ensure that the perpetrators of acts of violence are brought to justice and to support interethnic and interfaith dialogue.
Nigeria is one of the most important countries in sub-Saharan Africa, a member of the UN Security Council, a global oil producer, a leader in ECOWAS, a major peacekeeping contributing country, and a stabilizing force in West Africa. Nigeria’s stability and democracy carry great significance beyond its immediate borders.
We therefore extend our support to the people of Nigeria during the current period of uncertainty, caused by President Yar’Adua’s illness. We extend our best wishes to the President and his family, and join the Nigerian people in wishing him a full recovery.
Nigeria has expressed its resolve to adhere to constitutional processes during this difficult time. We commend that determination to address the current situation through appropriate democratic institutions. Nigeria’s continued commitment and adherence to its democratic norms and values are key to addressing the many challenges it faces, including electoral reform, post-amnesty programs in the Niger Delta, economic development, inter-faith discord and transparency. The gubernatorial elections in Anambra on 6 February will be a milestone in the journey towards electoral reform and a signal of Nigeria’s commitment to the principles of democracy.
We are committed to continue working with Nigeria on the internal issues it faces while working together as partners on the global stage.
# # #
JSD says the world is watching us.
The world is watching Nigeria a listed Terrorist State, yet recognised as one of the most important countries in sub-Saharan Africa, a member of the UN Security Council, a global oil producer, a leader in ECOWAS, a major peacekeeping contributing country, and a stabilizing force in West Africa.
So you can imagine if these countries could take the time to issue a joint statement on the State of Affairs of my country Nigeria, the FEC (Federal Executive Council) needs to wake up to reality and not issue an incredulous statement of support for a sick President.
As President Musa Yar’Adua has been missing for 68 days, I just hope the office of the President or the PDP party is not planning a lecture or commemoration of some sort to honour 100 days of his missing in action? Again, i just hope there would not be newspaper adverts on the 100th day paid for by sycophants praying for Yar’Adua’s speedy (can you imagine, after 100 days?) recovery. This is Nigeria, all things do happen.
If the world is watching and Nigerians are watching, then it means God has something up his sleeves and I tell you it shall not be funny. While we await that with certainty, as Nigerians we should continue to play our little roles in keeping peace, bringing enlightenment to the less exposed and giving to the hungry.
Have a great and restful weekend and God bless you all.
Oh, before I forget. Our football National team, the Super Eagles eventually lost out by a lone goal to the Black Stars of Ghana. About time too. After riding their luck for most of the Africa Nations Cup tournament, it would have been an injustice to reach the final. I pray, the power to be, that is the morons at NFF (Nigeria Football Federation) see some sense to change the entire squad of “teachers” including the over aged “students” for the sake of Africa.
Going to the world cup in South Africa would not be strictly a Nigerian affair, you see. We would be representing the whole of the African continent. With the present clueless and over pampered crop of players, a disgraceful performance is guaranteed.
Without any stress, I wait and see.
Don Thieme
February 2, 2010
It is good of you to post this. I will be linking to you today.
9jakuti
February 2, 2010
statement sha!
SSD, the only statement we want from him is pretty simple. I’m alive.
Parakeet
January 30, 2010
I cant help but squirm at the hypocrisy of that statement above. These people know that Nigeria is struggling to hold its democracy together yet what do they do in support? Place it on a terrorist list at the first opportunity they have. Nonsense!
solomonsydelle
January 29, 2010
has the President of Nigeria issued a statement on Jos, yet?
solomonsydelle
January 29, 2010
come, has the President of Nigeria issued a statement on Jos?
Bayo Dossy
January 29, 2010
Jide, A little digression bt still relevant 2ur piece as we are still talking Nigeria’s underdevelopment by Nigerians here…….
“But behold, foreigners are also better than Nigerians in administration and leadership. If they are not better maybe they are more transparent. That possibly informs the pre-independence monuments and infrastructures that still dot the country. So would those who are calling for Amodu’s replacement with a foreign technical adviser also extend the call to other public officers who have disappointed us like Amodu? Should we also ask for a foreign President in place of Musa Yar’Adua whose whereabouts we don’t know”??? – Geoff Iyatse (Guardian)