Mr. David Greene, the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Nigeria, has reiterated the United States’ unwavering belief in democracy, emphasizing the opportunities it provides for meaningful change when elected leadership falls short in delivering the dividends of the system. In an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja, Greene acknowledged the challenges and flaws inherent in democracy but highlighted its resilience and capacity for positive transformation.
U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, David Greene, reaffirms belief in democracy, citing its transformative capacity, and stresses citizens’ power to create change
Greene addresses electoral disputes and urges peaceful resolutions, transparency, and adherence to constitutional processes, emphasizing citizen accountability
Greene asserted that the responsibility lies with the Nigerian electorate and the political system to hold elected officials accountable. He described the democratic system as magical, emphasizing that citizens have the power to create change when their elected representatives fail to deliver.
The Chargé d’Affaires emphasized the paramount importance of peaceful resolutions in the face of electoral disputes. Rather than resorting to violence or disruptive actions, citizens and political stakeholders are encouraged to engage in dialogue and utilize legal channels to address grievances. Greene’s emphasis on peaceful resolutions echoes the fundamental principle that democracy thrives when its participants embrace civil discourse and non-violent means of conflict resolution.
For democracy to function optimally, transparency and adherence to constitutional processes are indispensable. Greene highlighted the need for electoral processes to be transparent, ensuring that citizens have confidence in the integrity of their democratic institutions. Furthermore, strict adherence to constitutional processes guarantees that the democratic framework remains robust and resilient, even in the face of challenges.
Responding to questions about potential actions beyond visa bans for politicians undermining the democratic process, Greene deferred judgment to the Nigerian people, emphasizing the importance of their role in assessing such matters.
On the subject of electoral disputes and manipulation of election results, Greene acknowledged the messiness of democracy but stressed the need for amicable resolutions to disputes. He encouraged all parties involved to avoid violence and rely on legal and peaceful processes for dispute resolution. While recognizing that post-election disputes might lead to legal proceedings, he emphasized the importance of transparency and adherence to constitutional processes.
Addressing the issue of violence, particularly police brutality against black people, Greene assured that measures have been implemented to uphold democratic principles. He acknowledged that democracy is not perfect but emphasized the ongoing effort to live up to aspirations and values as guiding principles.
Greene’s statements underscore the U.S. commitment to democratic ideals and its recognition of the challenges inherent in the democratic process, emphasizing the role of citizens in shaping the democratic landscape.