29 May 2011
Presenting Nigeria’s democratic march as a model for Africa, former governor of Virginia, United States, L. Douglas Wilder, has described Nigeria as a vital continental ally of the US and cautioned its former Ambassador to Nigeria, John Campbell, not to upset the bilateral cordiality.
Wilder, a resource person at the recent induction programme for new and returning governors, organised in Abuja by the Governors’ Forum, commended the country’s ethno-religious balance, saying, “Nigeria’s unique mix of Muslim-Christian culture and religion serves as a case study in resolving contradictions and confrontations. It is a needed example of how we truly can coexist.” He was writing on his experience during the induction, which took place on May 19 at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa.
Recounting the importance of Africa in world affairs, the former governor said, “Many Americans may not be as aware of this as they should, but Nigeria is an important nation and a necessary US partner on the African continent. It is the most populated country in Africa, with some 150 million residents. It also is a vital example to its African neighbours, having moved from military rule through a period of democratic reform – instituting a new constitution in 1999, which called for more diverse representation in national, state, and local leadership.”
Wilder commended Nigeria for the last general elections that have been praised locally and internationally as the fairest and freest the country has seen in its recent history. He specially paid tribute to the maturity of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party, which, according to him, “had some electoral setbacks, but its leaders and members seemed to recognise the inevitability of modern change.” Wilder said, “I certainly have no dog in Nigeria’s internal political fights, but I do recognise that as a fact of life there is but one constant: constant change.”
On Campbell, who took a dim view of Nigeria’s progress in his recent publication, Wilder said the former ambassador’s views were unwarranted and capable of straining the country’s domestic relations and its ties with the US.
“I was surprised that a former representative of the United States would be insinuating himself in a matter that could have a serious impact our national foreign policy,” he said … I’m not necessarily sure that was nationally constructive for US interests on the African continent.”
AllAfrica – All the Time