US rates Nigeria’s elections high •Says country made history with April polls •INEC has done Nigeria proud – Soyinka

NIGERIA has made history by organising a credible, transparent, free and fair general election for the first time. The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Terence McCulley, gave Nigeria kudos at the Naval Headquarters, Abuja, during the presentation of the United States President Award to a

Naval officer, Commodore Adeniyi Osinowo, who distinguished himself while serving as Africa Partnership Station (ARS) West Deputy Commander from November 2009 to May 2010.

According to him, this is “really a historic opportunity for Nigeria to consolidate its democracy and further expand its voice on the world stage.”

While congratulating the Nigerian government and the people in achieving this rare feat, the US Ambassador noted that the men and women of the State Security Service, the Army, Navy, Air Force and the police really performed creditably well.

He said that the Navy contributed to the peaceful atmosphere that ensured that Nigerians could go out and vote and that their votes would count.
McCulley added that the world was watching and Nigeria did not disappoint it by making history with the election.

** Joke of The Day **

The ambassador noted that the cooperation the US enjoyed with the Nigerian government and the Navy was exemplary and saluted the commitment of the naval officers and sailors to its partnership with the US in maritime safety and security in the Gulf of Guinea.

He said that the partnership his country enjoyed with the Navy was exemplary and was a model, not only for the cooperation in the region, but worldwide, adding that this had led to the decision of the US government to transfer a coast guard craft to the Nigerian Navy to further contribute to maritime safety in the Gulf of Guinea and work together in achieving and consolidating regional awareness capability.