UN warns against post-election violence in Nigeria, says perpetrators will be punished

The United Nations has warned that  perpetrators of post-election violence in the country will not go unpunished.

The global organisation also dismissed fears that the security situation in Nigeria might get to the level witnessed in Côte D’Ivoire during its general elections.

The United Nations Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, and the Secretary-General’s High-Level Representative to Nigeria, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, said this at a press conference on Wednesday in Abuja, after rounding off a two-day visit to the country.

“Given the important role Nigeria plays in the region and globally, the international community is closely watching the elections in Nigeria and that any persons responsible for violence will be held accountable,” Feltman said.

Chambas dismissed fears that the security situation in Nigeria, as the country prepares for the elections, was getting similar to that of Côte D’Ivoire.

He expressed optimism that the country would not go through such experience.

UN “urged the political actors, particularly the candidates, to resolve any electoral disputes through the existing legal and constitutional means.”

Feltman added, “I encourage the political, electoral and security actors to continue working together to create an environment conducive for the holding of violence-free and credible elections, and ensure that all eligible Nigerians can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, including those displaced by violence in the North East.”

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan and the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari(retd.), for their commitment to implementing the Abuja Accord on peace.

UN warns against post-election violence in Nigeria, says perpetrators will be punished