United States President Barack Obama has urged
Nigerians to be peaceful, no matter who wins Saturday’s election.
Obama, in his message to Nigerians ahead of the
crucial elections, also reminded Nigerians that violence has no place in the
democratic process.
He urged political leaders and candidates not to
incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during or after the
votes are counted.
The message reads: “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.
”Successful elections and democratic progress
will help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges you face today. 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.
“Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve made.
Together, you won your 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.
”Now you have a historic opportunity to help
write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming
elections. For elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and
peaceful. All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without
intimidation or fear.
”So I call 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.
”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.”
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