Atlanta, GA (PRWeb) January 5, 2007

ABA Requests Transparency in Nigeria's Elections for Commerce's Sake

For Immediate Release

The president of African Business Alliance (ABA), Prince Sobem has invited former US President Carter, the international community, and all concerned with Nigeria's success with democracy to immediately take a look at the current electoral process.

Prince Sobem said "Although the country has made much progress, we at ABA are very concerned with recent elections results in Delta State. Specifically, the Senate races which in our view was not as transparent as it could have been. We are asking that the results be made completely transparent for all to see and the winner declared or call for new elections. Appearances of impropriety are no longer acceptable for any African country that wants to be reckoned with in today's highly competitive global economy. Improprieties have significant impacts on work being done to promote commerce with Africa by organizations as the African Business Alliance, (ABA) and others."

Prince Sobem further stated, "We are inviting the media, President Carter, Prime Minister Tony Blair and the international community interested in Nigeria's progress to bring the necessary pressure to bear.

As reported in the Vanguard newspapers immediately following the elections -- “... the result showed that Mr. Ned Nwoko polled 581 votes, with Senator Osakwe getting 281, Mr. I.K. Dieyi Mbulu got 10 votes. The other contestants Mrs. Marian Ali, Mr. Peter Nwoboshi, Mr. Andrew Egonte, Col. Godwin Eboma (rtd.) and Mr. Pascal Adigwe got nothing..."

Based on this Mr. Nwoko won, however unfortunately, a different winner was declared. There needs to be a transparent reason for declaring a different winner. Otherwise we create a perception of impropriety which causes discomfort for potential foreign investors. President Obasanjo of Nigeria must now step into this and any other such situations and request complete transparency.”

Prince Sobem added, "President Obasanjo of Nigeria and his team deserve much praise for leading the nation of Nigeria these past 8 years. Nonetheless, the leadership must remain vigilant and not permit such lapses. Accountability now must rule the day and total transparency insisted upon. He must continue to lead with courage. We have no choice than to do this if we want to be reckoned with in the international community."

He continued, "The long term implications for commerce are incalculable if the rule of law does not prevail."
The African Business Alliance is a 501c3 non-profit organization of business, political and civic leaders helping to raise the standard of living for Africans on the continent by creating jobs and increasing production of goods and services.

ABA engages in opportunities that stimulate commerce and empower communities to create jobs and increase production of goods and services.

The organization maintains a website at http://www.aballiance.org [www.aballiance.org].

####

Media Contact:

Yvette Hughes

media@aballiance.org

404-422-2693