Resist Sponsors of Violence, US, UK Advise Nigerians

Ahead of the general election, the United States and the United Kingdom on Friday urged Nigerian voters to resist “those who attempt to incite violence; come together as one to defend the country against terrorist threats and to build the shared prosperity and enduring freedom all Nigerian citizens deserve.”

President Goodluck Jonathan and United State Secretary of State, John Kerry

The two countries, in a document co-authored by US Secretary of State, John Kerry and British Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Philip Hammond, which was exclusively released to THISDAY last night, stated that around the globe, Nigeria’s friends would be united “in hoping that the vote will be peaceful, transparent, and fair and that – win or lose – all sides will respect the outcome.”

Kerry and Hammond said: “Nigeria’s more than 70 million voters will soon go to the polls to choose their country’s leader for the next four years.  Whether the victor is incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan or opposition challenger General Muhammadu Buhari is entirely for Nigerians to decide.

“There are good reasons why the international spotlight is firmly fixed on Nigeria during this critical period and why we have come together to support an open and credible electoral process.  Nigeria is Africa’s largest democracy and what happens there will have an impact well beyond its borders.  A successful election, free from violence and with wide participation, accurate vote counting, and responsible leadership from the candidates would inspire the region and spur future progress and prosperity.  It would also be a historic show of support by Nigerians for democratic values and an equally firm rejection of the brutal terrorist group, Boko Haram, and others who advocate or perpetrate violence.”

As friends and democratic partners of Nigeria, Kerry and Hammond urged that the voting for president and parliament should go forward as scheduled on March 28 and that there should be no further delay of this crucial vote.

They continued: “We are heartened by the fact that Nigerians from across the political spectrum appear to recognise the necessity of inaugurating a new president by the constitutionally mandated deadline of May 29.  Obviously, we share Nigerians’ concerns about violence, both related to elections and more generally. In 2011, more than 800 people died in post-election clashes, and a recent survey shows that half of Nigerians are concerned about political intimidation this time around.

“The good news is that President Jonathan and General Buhari have repeatedly and publicly stressed their commitment to non-violence before, during, and after Election Day.  Both candidates have affirmed their intent to act solely through legal channels in pursuing any concerns that might arise regarding the fairness of the vote.  It is imperative that they – and their backers – live up to this pledge.  Elections should be decided at the ballot box and, if necessary, in the courts; not through efforts to coerce others.  Respect for the constitutional process and the independence of Nigeria’s Independent National Election Commission, INEC, is the right approach, and the only one that offers a sustainable way to address Nigeria’s many challenges.”

Kerry and Hammond said the countries they represented strongly support the pledges articulated by Jonathan and Buhari. They said the elections must be decided in accordance with the rule of law.

“It follows that any person who incites violence at any stage in the electoral process, or who seeks power through unconstitutional means, should be held accountable and should understand that the consequences will be severe, both domestically and internationally.

“After an election, it is natural to focus attention on the winner, but in any democracy, the unsuccessful candidates also have critical roles to play.  No one expects any political leader to retreat from firmly-held policy positions or beliefs, but a losing candidate owes it to his or her country to acknowledge defeat as soon as the popular verdict is clear, to urge supporters to accept the outcome, and to advocate unity in the face of national threats.  That is the kind of leadership Nigeria needs.

“A free, fair and peaceful presidential election does not guarantee a successful democracy, but it is nevertheless an essential ingredient – especially now in Nigeria.  This is a country rich in resources and blessed by a creative and dynamic population.  Its leaders can be extremely effective as evidenced by their swift action to prevent Ebola from establishing a foothold in their nation – thus saving thousands of lives. Overall economic growth rates are healthy and parts of the country are doing well.  And yet, Nigeria has been held back by local tensions, a wide disparity between rich and poor, the lack of an adequate safety net for the disadvantaged, shortages of electricity, a rigid bureaucracy, and widespread corruption.

“These challenges have made the country vulnerable to internal conflict including the kidnappings, murders, and other atrocities perpetrated by Boko Haram. Nigeria’s next government will need the support of all its citizens to address these challenges, and its unity will make it easier, on the security side, for regional neighbors and the larger international community to provide necessary help,” said the two men.

Resist Sponsors of Violence, US, UK Advise Nigerians