(http://fmi.gov.ng/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/Sambo-251.gif) Vice President Arc. Mohammed Namadi Sambo has observed that only democracy has the potential of ensuring peace, prosperity and development of any nation.
He was speaking when he received Amb. Maria Leissner the Secretary-General of the Community of Democracies in his office at the State House in Abuja.
The Vice President was elated with the election of Nigeria as the President of the democratic communities as he noted that democracy in Nigeria has firmly found its roots.
Arc. Sambo noted the successes recorded in the conduct of transparent elections from 2011 to date and attributed such to the commitment and determination of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan's Administration in keeping to its promises. He said that it was attained due to efforts geared at strengthening the democratic institutions and the independence of the electoral body.
The Vice President also stated that Nigeria is always ready to partner with other brotherly countries to further the cause of democracy. He noted further that the administration of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan has demonstrated good faith in the observance of the rule-of-law as no one has been unjustifiably arrested or manhandled for no just cause.
Arc. Sambo seized the opportunity to intimate the visiting secretary-general of the administration's efforts at raising the socio-economic status of the citizens. He reviewed the efforts made in the Power, Transportation, Education, Agriculture and Health sectors.
Earlier, Amb Marie Leissner had thanked Nigeria for accepting to sponsor the ongoing 2-day workshop on strengthening democratic traditions and institutions, and was elated by the involvement of Nigeria in the Community of Democracies stating that, as part of the troika, it has included all political actors, civil society and all other institutions needed to advance the cause of democracy.
Leissner noted that the Community of Democracies is made up of two layers; Out Layer involving over 140 actors, which declaration was adopted in Warsaw and signed by over 110 countries, and the Inner Circle. She noted that the global platform has provided the good opportunity to discuss democracy stating that "You are keen in supporting democracy when you know what it is and not because you have it."
Present at the meeting were the Minister of State Foreign Affairs, Viola Onwuleri, Amb. Asalina Raymond Momuno, Amb. Samuel Wodi Jimba and the Deputy Chief of Staff, Mohammed Kachalla.
Via: Federal Ministry of Information (FMI) Nigeria