THE United States government, on Thursday, told the Federal Government that the time had come for it to get down to the day-to-day business of governing after
the country conducted credible polls in April.
The statement by the US came as a federal cabinet is yet to be constituted and the spate of insecurity continues to rise across the country.
US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Terence McCulley, in an article entitled, “Now comes the hard part”, a copy of which was obtained by the Nigerian Tribune, observed that the Nigerian government faced complex challenges in the post-election environment.
The envoy stated that security, electricity, good roads, education and reliable health care topped most people’s lists of immediate concerns.
He, however, maintained that only the Nigerians could judge whether government is meeting their expectations.
The envoy said that good governance was the cornerstone for Nigeria’s continuing political and economic development and that the April elections confirmed that Nigeria’s citizens yearned for a government committed to democratic principles and the rule of law by public servants of tested integrity.
According to him, it was the reason that the US Government has applauded President Goodluck Jonathan’s declaration to wage war on bad governance.
He said: “Whenever Nigeria decides to take broad, effective action to fully develop its democratic institutions, empower its justice systems, and create a welcoming economic environment, the foundation can be set for massive economic growth in both the public and the private sectors.
“Nigeria could inspire billions of dollars of Foreign Direct Investment simply by insuring that business contracts are sacrosanct, investment regulations are predictable, and electricity is reliable. Both foreign and Nigerian investors, large and small, will benefit.
“And as Nigeria looks to grow and diversify its economy, it is important to remember that Nigerian farmers once fed much of West Africa. The US stands ready to help Nigeria regain its status as an agricultural exporter. When Nigeria begins again to export food and commodities to its West African neighbours, to Europe, and through AGOA, the African Growth and Opportunity Act, to the US, the personal incomes of the 70 per cent of Nigerians dependent on agriculture will increase markedly. Women and the poor will play a more prominent role in this market-driven economy.
“Nigeria will expand its regional and global trade relationships and create an improved environment for international commerce. Regional security will also improve as agricultural exports help secure the region’s food supply.
“Public and private sector economic development is crucial, but cannot succeed if Nigeria’s population is weakened by poor health and disease. An estimated four million Nigerians live with and suffer from HIV/AIDS, and the number is growing, not shrinking. Already, with the second largest number of HIV-infected people in the world, Nigeria, with its large population and high birth rate, could well move up on a list it wouldn’t want to top.
“The US Government invests close to $600 million every year in Nigeria’s health sector and has begun to shift its focus from treating the ill to increasing the capacity of Nigeria’s own health systems to assume this basic responsibility. The new U.S. Global Health Initiative recognises that stronger health care delivery systems, focused on basic maternal, child, and newborn health and on prevention, can reduce the deadly consequences of HIV/AIDS, and also help fight other diseases, including malaria and tuberculosis.
“A coordinated partnership among Nigeria’s federal, state, and local government entities is needed… A healthier Nigeria is a natural result of good governance and an essential element of the US-Nigeria partnership.
“Even as we celebrate the singular success of the 2011 elections, the US hopes that the Nigerian government will honour the judgment of the voters, by constructing strong and transparent institutions that deliver essential services to the nation.”
Meanwhile, President Jonathan has said he will govern with the fear of God, because he believes God has a purpose for his emergence as leader of Nigeria at this time.
Jonathan said this during the visit of the Very Reverend Justin Welby, a special envoy, who brought a message from the Archbishop of Canterbury, Most Reverend Rowan Williams, to the State House, Thursday.
He expressed appreciation to the Archbishop of Canterbury for his interest in Nigeria, especially during and after the elections.
Earlier, the Very Reverend Welby had said the Archbishop of Canterbury was “encouraged and delighted at the extraordinary leadership” which President Jonathan “provided during the elections and the difficult post-election days.”
He prayed for peace in Nigeria, wisdom and strength for the president in the years ahead and gave the assurance of support for Nigeria in the British House of Lords.
Also on Thursday, President Jonathan received a special message from President Alpha Conde of Guinea Conakry.
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Settle down for business •US tells Nigeria •I’ll govern with fear of God, Jonathan tells Nigerians