Abuja | July 21, 2014

Ambassador James Entwistle delivering his remarks at workshop opening. --Embassy photo by Sani Mohammed

U.S. Ambassador James F. Entwistle reminded public affairs officers of Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission (INEC) that they have the vital task of creating an informed electorate that knows what it needs to do to cast the ballot. The ambassador was speaking to the press officers in Abuja on Monday, July 21, at the opening of the second segment of a two-part, four-day workshop jointly organized by the U.S. Embassy and INEC on “The Role of INEC Press Officers: Enhancing Good Governance Through Media and Grassroots Outreach.”

The first segment of the workshop was held in Lagos July 14-17, and Derwin Johnson, an independent senior communications consultant from the United States with more than 30 years’ experience, is conducting the hands-on training.

Ambassador Entwistle told the INEC public affairs officers that their training is important because they help shape public knowledge and perceptions about elections and the debate process and provide crucial information on voters’ rights and the voter registration process. He said, “We support an election process that protects the rights of Nigerians to use the ballot box to reflect the views and concerns of their communities—a process that helps produce a stable, democratic government regardless of which candidate wins.”

He said that the United States supports a free, credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process in which democratic principles are adhered to by all parties, candidates, and institutions.

“This process encompasses all stages in the run-up to elections, including preparation of voter rolls, running campaigns, conducting the actual election, and handling any problems immediately afterwards,” the ambassador emphasized.

INEC Chairman Professor Attahiru Jega said the workshop resonated with the commission’s thoughts on ways to reach out and educate a majority of the illiterate rural population on the electoral process, using different strategies and platforms.

He commended the U.S. government for the training support and said as INEC prepares for the 2015 elections, it is eager to improve the capacity of its staff. He also said that Mr. Johnson’s reputation as an experienced international broadcaster and teacher would add tremendous value to the INEC public affairs officers’ skills.

[Read Ambassador Entwistle’s full remarks here]

Remarks by Ambassador James F. Entwistle at Opening of INEC Public Affairs Officers’ Workshop, Abuja Nigeria (July 21, 2014)

Abuja | July 21, 2014

Good Morning,

I am delighted to join Professor Jega in opening this workshop for INEC public affairs officers. These trainings are part of the United States’ support to INEC and Nigeria for all upcoming elections, including the national ones in 2015.

You’re well aware that the U.S. supports a free, credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process in which democratic principles are adhered to by all parties, candidates, and institutions. This process encompasses all stages in the run-up to elections, including preparation of voter rolls, running campaigns, conducting the actual election, and handling any problems immediately afterwards. We support an election process that protects the rights of Nigerians to use the ballot box to reflect the views and concerns of their communities—a process that helps produce a stable, democratic government regardless of which candidate wins.

The key word there is process, because that’s what you’re there to protect the integrity of. Public affairs officers help shape public knowledge and perceptions about elections and the debate process, and provide crucial information on voters’ rights and the voter registration process. What you do is vital to creating an informed electorate that knows where it needs to go and what it needs to do to cast the ballot. The better informed the public is of their rights and responsibilities, the better the elections will be. Better elections drive more legitimate candidates to the forefront, and this positive momentum continues forward. You’re vital to this, and it’s why we’re committed to providing these trainings.

Quickly, I’d like to congratulate INEC, as well as the many other electoral stakeholders, on the successful elections in Ekiti in June. As I just mentioned, positive momentum builds up, and I believe that you will carry this forward into the August elections in Osun, and hopefully into next year.

If I can make a personal plea, I've been asking politicians here to take a public pledge against violence. And I’m asking the media and individual Nigerians to do the same: make it clear that if a candidate wants your vote, he or she must take the pledge that they will not advocate, foment, or condone violence before, during, or after the elections. So please consider spreading the word about this non-violence pledge, because we must demand better of those who are seeking our approval to govern.

Getting back to the technical side of things, how you do your job as technology changes requires frequent refresher courses. Professionals who regulate voting become skilled in new techniques, something we see media and voters discussing in the United States during every election cycle. And we’ve brought Derwin Johnson, an independent senior communications consultant from the United States, with more than 30 years of experience, to share his expertise with you during the next four days of intensive training.

So enjoy your training this week. Mr. Johnson is one of the very best instructors in this field, we’re thrilled to have him here, and I’d like to hand things over to him now.