PRESS RELEASE

Third Term

April 30, 2006

Abuja - The United States Embassy in Nigeria wishes to make the following statement in response to continuing media inquiry regarding our position on the on-going process of amending the Nigerian constitution.

The United States respects the right of any country to amend its constitution through democratic, transparent, and legal means. However, the United States is concerned about the current effort to amend Nigeria's constitution in order to allow presidents and governors to run for a third term.

Our view is very clear that executive term limits should be respected, in the interests of institutionalizing democracy and opening political space. This allows for new leaders to be groomed, and it supports the rule of law. A regular turnover of power ingrains and institutionalizes a democratic process. We have consistently delivered this message to a number of countries facing the same issue.

We understand President Obasanjo has not made any formal announcement of his plans after his second term expires in 2007.

 

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