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2015 ELECTION: UN Warns Nigeria Against Violence

Published

10 years ago

January 24, 2015

The United Nations (UN) has cautioned Nigerians and political parties’ supported to desist from act that is capable of causing violence in the forthcoming general elections.
The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, who made the remark in an interview with journalists during his courtesy visit to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Aminu Wali, in Abuja, said the world cannot afford to see Nigeria slip into a political crisis.
“The UN Secretary General has, in fact, expressed his concern that the elections here be violent-free, inclusive and credible. We believe Nigeria has the capacity to deliver elections that are not marred by violence, that are transparent and that would allow for free expression of the will of the Nigerian people. It must maintain its unity and cohesion, and be able to carry forward and undertake its leadership role
“Of course, we always want to draw attention to the fact that the whole world; the eyes of the world are on Nigeria because of who Nigeria is. Nigeria is the pre-eminent country in Africa; economically is the biggest economy, political Nigeria is both on the AU Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council. These are the bodies charged with ensuring peace and security in Africa and in the world. So that is why we cannot afford to see Nigeria slip into any political crisis.
“Therefore, all leaders have to act with a sense of responsibility; they have to appeal to their followers to understand that election is not a war. It is about the choice of the people. So, ordinary people of the country of Nigeria, the good people of this country, should be allowed in a free and unhindered atmosphere to express their free will.