Engagement, Integrity, and Commitment Make Democracy Work, Says U.S. Ambassador McCulley (July 01, 2011)

Abuja | July 06, 2011

Ambassador Terence McCulley welcomes the SGF, Anyim P. Anyim to the American Independence Day reception.

U.S. Ambassador Terence P. McCulley stressed the construction of a viable democracy in any given society is a hard slog that requires engagement, integrity, and commitment from all who aspire to lead. Ambassador McCulley said these inspiring words during the reception in honor of the 235th Anniversary of American Independence in Abuja.

In addition to toasts and speeches, the evening included patriotic and lively entertainment by visiting U.S. Navy Brass band, in collaboration with members of the Abuja Metropolitan Music Society (AMEMUSO) Choir.
 
The audience included the Secretary to the Federal Government of Nigeria Senator Anyim Pius Anyim, who wore two hats for the evening by representing President Goodluck Jonathan and giving a speech highlighting the bright future and strong relationship between the U.S. and Nigeria.  Also among the guests were senior government officials, members of the armed forces, civil society groups, the diplomatic community, cultural figures, and the media.

Ambassador McCulley, who is observing his first Independence Day as U.S. Ambassador to Nigeria, noted July 4th is a milestone and a time for deep reflection on the fundamental principles of America’s Founding Fathers. These are the same principles and ideals that continue to serve as the foundation of America to this day.

 "If July 4th celebrations offer us time to reflect on our founding principles, they also afford us an occasion to ponder the challenges we faced as a nation to construct our democratic institutions and to realize the proposition that all men (and women) are created equal," Ambassador McCulley noted.

Drawing on the commonalities between the U.S. and Nigeria, Ambassador McCulley congratulated the Nigerian people for achieving something "historic" during April’s general elections.  He described the elections as "arguably the most credible and transparent elections in the country’s history as an independent nation."

Ambassador McCulley urged President Goodluck Jonathan and his cabinet to work together to move Nigeria forward and to address the challenges of governance, of corruption and insecurity--which is threatening Nigeria’s prosperity and seeks to sow divisions among communities—and to tackle the power sector needs of the country.

In concluding his remarks, Ambassador McCulley said Nigerians should be rest assured of the continued friendship and partnership of the government and people of the United States at all times.

"As you consolidate your democratic institutions and rebuild your economy, the United States stands ready to deploy its programs and resources in support of your national priorities, from public health to education, from food security to national security, and from the battle to contain malaria to the daily struggles of the millions of Nigerians living with HIV and AIDS," Ambassador McCulley said.

If you are interested in reading more about good governance, please read the latest addition of Crossroads or Magama magazines. Visit: http://nigeria.usembassy.gov/crossroads.html

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