Michael Pompeo, the United States
secretary of state, says those who interfere in Nigeria’s election must be held
accountable.
In a statement released by the US
state department, Pompeo said the elections are Nigeria’s opportunity to
solidify its place as the democratic leader in Africa.
“The United States government
supports a free, fair, transparent, and peaceful election that reflects the
will of the Nigerian people,” Pompeo said.
“It is critical that the
Independent National Electoral Commission operates free from outside pressure
and intimidation and in a totally objective manner.
“Nigerian security services must
provide a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their
rights. Those who interfere in the electoral process or incite violence must be
held to account.
“The upcoming elections are an
opportunity for Nigeria to solidify its place as a democratic leader in
Africa.”
On Tuesday, Nasir el-Rufai, the
governor of Kaduna state, had said foreigners who try to meddle in Nigeria’s
elections would be returned to their home countries in body bags.
His comment has raised concern
across the international community.
The European Union immediately
released a statement to say that it will not be deterred by the comments,
adding that it had been observing elections in Nigeria since 1999.
“We are aware of the comments by
the Governor of Kaduna about non-interference by foreigners during a talk show
on the elections Tuesday 5 February,” the statement read.
“The EU only deploys an election
observation mission when it is invited to do so by the authorities of a
country. The EU has been invited to observe all of the general elections in
Nigeria since 1999. Thus this is the sixth time the EU is observing elections
in Nigeria.
“The Independent National
Electoral Commission invited the EU to deploy an observation mission for the
2019 general elections.”
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