Statement on Nigerian media reports

We have read reports in certain Nigerian media misrepresenting and misquoting comments attributed to Mr Ayodele Oke, Head of the Africa Section in the Political Affairs Division of the Commonwealth Secretariat on 9 November 2010 in Abuja at a workshop focusing on preparations for the forthcoming Nigerian presidential elections.

Some reports even erroneously state that Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma inaugurated that workshop, which is false, since the Secretary-General was in London at the time.

To clarify matters, Mr Oke stated that:

a) the Commonwealth attaches importance to a credible and well-managed election in 2011 in Nigeria.

b) The objective of the workshop was to provide a platform for sharing experience and best practices in election management from different Commonwealth countries, with a view to helping INEC to deliver peaceful, orderly, and credible elections.

c) The Commonwealth stands ready to assist Nigeria and INEC in every possible way to meet the democratic aspirations of the Nigerian people.

Contrary to some media reports, Mr Oke did not make any reference to sanctions or expulsion.