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                 Obama Endorses Jonathan's REFORM
The U.S. President Barrack Obama has declared his support for the ongoing reform by Acting President Goodluck Jonathan to strengthen democracy, improve the economy and restore peace and security in Nigeria.

Obama expressed his support on Monday in Washington D.C. when he received the letters of credence of Nigeria's  new Ambassador to the U.S., Prof. Ade Adefuye.

Obama, who said the prolonged absence of President Umaru Yar Ádua had triggered much uncertainty in the country, said he was confident of the present administration's ability to restore confidence in the polity.

``In this difficult time, we applaud Nigeria for taking steps to restore confidence in the country's political system while adhering to democratic principles.

``We are encouraged by Acting President Jonathan's public promises to strengthen democratic reforms, improve the economic environment and address the ongoing violence and impunity seen in the Niger Delta and Jos.

``We look forward to supporting these efforts to improve the lives of all Nigeria's citizens,'' he said.

The U.S. President pledged his commitment to continue collaborating with Nigeria in the fight against ``terrorism and violent extremism''.

He said the fight against terrorism must be continued to make West African region a safe place, while ensuring peace and prosperity for citizens in the region. .

Obama noted that  Nigeria had an important role as a regional and global leader and lauded the country's contribution to peacekeeping efforts on the continent.

The U.S president said both countries had a tradition of positive bilateral relations based on mutual commitment to development and peace.

``The upcoming launch of the U.S-Nigeria Bi-national Commission illustrates our desire to further enhance this relationship,'' he added.

Earlier while presenting his credentials, Adefuye highlighted the December 25 incident, where a Nigerian was allegedly caught on a Detroit- bound plane with a bomb.

``This event, serious as it is, is a one-off incident and ought not to have warranted the classification of Nigeria as a country of interest in the fight against terrorism.

``I have been asked by his Excellency Goodluck Jonathan to again convey Nigeria's shock at this and urge you to revisit the issue as soon as possible,'' he said.

Adefuye pledged that Nigeria would continue to cooperate with the U.S in the fight against terrorism, while sustaining ongoing efforts at preventing terrorist networks within the ECOWAS region.

The Ambassador also expressed Nigeria's gratitude to the U.S. for its continued support  of the country's democracy, ``especially during the recent absence of our President as a result of ill-health.''