Stuart Symington, the US
ambassador to Nigeria, says the words spoken about the election is as important
in the democratic process as the elections themselves.
In a video message to Nigerians,
the US envoy said, citizens must vote to have an effect in the country’s
electoral process.
“The elections are a remarkable
opportunity for all Nigerians to come together and for every citizen to express
their will. What the United States hopes to see in your elections this year
2019 are elections that are free, fair, credible and, above all, transparent,”
he said.
“In this process, I know one
thing: it is absolutely important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally
take part, beginning right now by knowing what your rights are.
“On election day, you won’t have
an effect unless you vote. It’s important that you work together to make sure
that your votes are counted.
“As we get ready for your elections,
one of the most important things is that there is a level playing field,
meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no
politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with the
Nigerian law.
“Elections are only one part of
the democratic process. The words and the actions that happen in these final
days and all the work of government afterwards, are as important to democracy
as the elections themselves.”
On the same day Symington’s video
was released, Nasir el-Rufai, the governor of Kaduna state, made death threats
to foreigners attempting to interfere in Nigeria’s elections.
Speaking during an NTA Live
programme on Tuesday evening, el-Rufai said as an independent and sovereign
state, Nigeria would never bow to foreign powers.
“Those that are calling for
anyone to come and intervene in Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that
would come and intervene, they would go back in body bags,” he had said.
The European Union Election
Observation Mission (EU EOM) has replied Nasir el-Rufai, stating that it would
continue its mission to Nigeria, not minding the threat.
The US has remained silent over
the matter.
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