Jonathan wants EU to increase support for 2011 election

By Eromo Egbejule,
WorldNewsVine, Nigeria

Nigeria has requested for increased support from the European Union (EU) and other development partners for a successful election in 2011.

President Goodluck Jonathan made the request at an audience with the new EU Ambassador and Head of Delegation to Nigeria, Mr. David Macrae at the State House, Abuja. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports Macrae also presented his letters of credence to Jonathan.

The President stated that the international community was keen on the election owing to the strategic position of Nigeria in Africa, “Your concerns are genuine, Nigeria is very important globally because of its huge population, among other factors. A stable Nigeria will foster stability in West Africa and the rest of Africa. Successful elections next year will help us achieve greater political stability and we will appreciate further assistance from the EU for the elections,’’ he said.

Macrae promised to convey President Jonathan’s request to the EU Headquarters in Brussels. He said the EU appreciated Nigeria’s important role in promoting peace and political stability in West Africa and Africa.

The envoy also assured that he would work diligently to foster a strategic partnership between the EU and Nigeria.

NAN reports that Jonathan also received the letters of credence of the new Ambassador of Ireland to Nigeria, Mr. Kyle O’Sullivan and the new Australian High Commissioner, Mr. Ian McConille.

At separate audiences with the new envoys, the President called for improved economic cooperation between Nigeria and their countries. Jonathan said Nigeria yearned to learn from Australia’s expertise in the exploitation of solid minerals.

Mr. McConille assured Jonathan that Australia would support the development of Nigeria’s enormous potential in the solid minerals sector.

(NAN)