WASHINGTON D.C. (BNO NEWS) – U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton on Thursday congratulated the people and government of Nigeria in the eve of its 50th anniversary of independence next Friday.

“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I am delighted to congratulate the people of Nigeria on 50 years of independence,” Clinton said.

Nigeria gained its independence on October 1, 1960, from the United Kingdom. At first its government was formed by a coalition of conservative parties. In the 1970′s Nigeria entered in a series of corrupt governments led by military leaders.

Democracy was achieved in 1999 when a former military head of state was elected as president. The elections ended almost 33 years of military rule. However the elections were labeled as unfair and corrupt, as the ones in 2003. Presidential elections are scheduled for 2011.

“Next year’s elections represent an opportunity to strengthen Nigeria’s democratic roots while renewing your commitment to good governance and constitutional rule. As your partner and friend, the United States will support Nigerians in holding free, fair and credible elections in a peaceful environment,” the State Secretary added.

Nigeria and the United States have developed a close relationship that translated in the launch of the U.S-Nigeria Binational Commission earlier this year. Through it, the two nations engaged in cooperation on many issues, like good governance and transparency, energy, regional security, and advancing peace and development in the Niger Delta.

Finally, Clinton hailed Nigeria’s many accomplishments not only in the West Africa region but in throughout the entire continent.

“In particular, I want to applaud Nigeria’s role in bringing stability to places marked by conflict, through its significant contributions of peacekeeping forces.”

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