U.S., Nigeria meet to discus political situation

The United States on Tuesday called for a democratic and constitutional transfer of power from ailing Nigerian President Umaru Yar'Adua to his vice, Goodluck Jonathan.

Johnnie Carson, visiting U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Africa, made the call when he delivered a message from the Obama administration to Jonathan at the State House in Abuja.

The call coincided with the resolution by the National Assembly that Jonathan should assume the position of acting president.

Carson told reporters shortly after a closed door meeting that he is in the country to discuss African affairs and political developments in Nigeria.

"We discussed a number of topics related to Africa in general as well as some recent developments in Nigeria," he said.

"(U.S.) Secretary of State Hillary Clinton also asked me to clearly convey to him (Vice President) that during this period of uncertainty we believe that it is very important that there is a transition of political power in Nigeria," he added.

"If there will be such transition, let it be done democratically, according to the rules of law and according to the Constitution," he told reporters.

"As a fellow democracy, the U.S. believes firmly in the values of democracy. We think that it is important for Nigeria which is Africa's largest democracy and also a friend and a partner of the U.S.," Carson added.

"If there is going to be a change, it should be, according to the Constitution, and democratically, according to the law," the U. S. official said.

Carson also expressed U.S. President Barack Obama and Hillary Clinton's concern over the health of Yar'Adua.

"They expressed best wishes for his speedy recovery and best wishes to the members of his family," he told reporters.

According to him, the meeting gave them the opportunity to talk about the situation in Somalia.

"The U.S. is committed to working with Nigeria in helping to improve on the electoral process in Somalia," he said.

"We have just completed the assessment of the electoral system which was undertaken by the U.S. and British Government together," he added.

Source: Xinhua