By Giwa SHILE
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs, Amb. Tibor Nagy on Tuesday said that the U.S. government would not give preference to a particular candidate in any election.
Nagy, who made the disclosure in a telephonic briefing with journalists from across Africa, said that the U.S. would continue to support credible and transparent elections in African countries.
“’Whatever government that is in place, the U.S. never has any candidate in any election. We support open and transparent elections.
“We want every government to support the interest of its people. We cannot give assistance to any government that would squander such funds.
“We will continue to support governments in alleviating the sufferings of its people,’’ he said.
The U.S. envoy, who had served as Deputy Chief of Mission in Nigeria between 1993 and 1995, noted that corruption had become so endemic in many countries.
He said that it would take more women empowerment programmes, as well more support NGOs, police and other organisations for corruption to be eliminated in African countries.
Nagy, who will be visiting Nigeria and other West Africa countries at a yet to be announced date, said that he would be visiting to discuss unfolding issues in Nigeria.
The assistant secretary said that his visit would offer him the opportunity to know more about challenges in the North-East, economy and elections.
He said that it was imperative for African governments to create the enabling environment that would attract more direct foreign investments that create job opportunities for young Africans.
According to him, it is only foreign direct investment that would move African countries to the desired socio-economic positions of developed nations.
“Young Africans today want what every young people want in America and everywhere.
“’But, young Africans need to say that enough is enough to all forms of corruption. I am really praying that corruption will be less of an issue,’’ he said.
