But in their discussion the US leader does not intend to comment critically on the 2007 elections in Nigeria, an election that has been widely described as falling short of democratic expectations. Said the official when asked whether Bush would convey' America's critical views on the elections personally to Yar'Adua in their meeting: "I don't think so, we already issued a statement, and there is no need to reassess what we have already said. Our discussion with him now is going to be on the way forward, things to do to move the electoral reforms forward."

 

He added though that the Secretary of State Condoleeza Rice had met with President Yar'Adua in September in New York during the United Nations and that the US sent a delegation to Yar'Adua's inauguration led by Assistant Secretary of State for Africa Jendayi Frazer, and at both occasions the views of the US government on the elections was personally communication to Yar'Adua.

 

The Senior US administration official however explained that Yar'Adua's action forming a panel on electoral reform is a "major piece" of the way forward, so that elections would be better in the future in Nigeria. If that had not been the case my president's discussion with President Yar'Adua would have been more contentious."

 

On the Niger Delta, the US President is also expecting to hear more of the plans of President Yar'Adua. Against the background of some tardiness on the planned Niger Delta summit, the US top official said "we want to hear his plans and how the US can help bring security and development to Niger Delta."

 

He noted international satisfaction on some "successes on the ground, the conduct of the governors (in the area) and security," but insisted that more transparency is needed in the spending of public funds in the Niger Delta.

 

The US government want to talk to Yar'Adua about how the US can help in providing technical assistance in terms of capacity building to ensure effective public spending. Said he: "We can help at the local level, you can have a governor who wants to be transparent and effective in public spending but lacks the capacity. We can provide technical assistance at the local levels and the expertise to implement projects."

 

Niger Delta, according to the source is a very sensitive place where there has been a lot of frustration. He said the people see the money coming in. He alluded to the view that state govts in the Niger Delta gets a big share of federal allocation, but when the people see all the money coming with nothing to show for it," it creates frustration. It is a challenge for a federal system ad it is important for the FG to work with the states to resolve the situation."  

 

According to the senior US government source, "we are optimistic about this meeting with President Yar'Adua. It's a first meeting and it is the beginning of the relationship. We are optimistic about what he has said and done."