The United States Secretary of State, John
Kerry, and the United Kingdom Foreign
Secretary, Philip Hammond, on
Tuesday
reiterated the message of peace and
crisis-free elections beginning next
Saturday, saying global spotlight was on
Nigeria.
The two envoys said the expectation of
Nigeria’s friends around the globe was
that the election would be peaceful,
transparent and fair.
Whether the victor in the election would be
the incumbent President, Goodluck
Jonathan, or opposition candidate,
Muhammadu Buhari, Messrs. Kerry and
Hammond said the decision was entirely
for Nigerians to make, while all parties
have an obligation to respect the outcome.
“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,” the
two leaders said.
“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.”
According to the envoys, successful polls
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, we urge that the voting for
president and parliament go forward as
scheduled on March 28; there should be
no further delay of this crucial vote,” they
admonished.
They expressed happiness that Nigerians
from across all political divides recognize
the need to inaugurate a new president by
May 29, adding that the U.S. and U.K.
governments shared in 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,” they said.
“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.
“The countries we represent, the United
States and the United Kingdom, strongly
support the pledges articulated by the
Nigerian candidates.
“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.
“We urge all eligible Nigerians to vote, to
resist those who attempt to incite
violence, and to come together as one
country to defend against terrorist threats
and to build the shared prosperity and
enduring freedom all Nigerian citizens
deserve.”
