President Barack Obama
- Warns Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria
Regardless of the outcome of the 2015 general election, it is the responsibility of all Nigerians to help keep the peace, as violence should have no place in democracy.
This was the crux of the message by United States (US) President Barack
Obama as Nigerians head to the polls Saturday for the presidential
election.
In a video message released by the White House yesterday, the US president acknowledged that Nigeria had won its independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions.
In a video message released by the White House yesterday, the US president acknowledged that Nigeria had won its independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions.
“You’ve strived to overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity
into a source of strength. You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of
your families and to build the largest economy in Africa,” he said.
In this regard, Obama stated that Nigerians have a historic opportunity
to help write the next chapter of their nation's progress, by voting in
the upcoming elections, stressing that Nigerians must be able to cast
their votes without intimidation or fear, for the elections to be
credible, free, fair and peaceful.
He called on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their
supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections, “and that
they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before,
during, or after the votes are counted”.
“I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject
the voices of those who call for violence. And when elections are free
and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the
peace, no matter who wins,” Obama stated.
He added that successful elections and democratic progress would help
Nigeria meet the urgent challenges the country faces today, noting that
Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and
children—must be stopped.
“Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their
families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to
their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have
worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your
nation’s progress.
“I’m told that there is a saying in your country: ‘to keep Nigeria one
is a task that must be done.’ Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all
religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep
Nigeria one.
“And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human
rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner
in the United States of America,” he promised.
Meanwhile, the Commonwealth Observer Group has also said it is critical
for Nigeria's general election to be peaceful and must be in accordance
with the rule of law and other democratic values.
The chairperson of the observer group to Nigeria's 2015 elections and
former President of Malawi, Dr. Bakili Muluzi, speaking at a press
conference in Abuja yesterday, added that conducting the elections in a
very democratic manner by providing an environment for credible
elections is important.
“We will assess whether the elections are conducted according to the
standards for democratic elections to which Nigeria has committed
itself, including the constitutional framework and national legislation
as well as Commonwealth and other international commitments,” he said.
Muluzi said that the group had already met with the Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega,
adding that there has been some improvement in the level of preparedness
by the commission following the postponement of the general election
last month.
He disclosed that the group, comprising 10 people, would be working
with other election observers from other organisations such as the
European Union and ECOWAS.
Culled from Thisday
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