As preparations for the general elections in Nigeria are
getting heated, starting on Saturday March 28, the United States President,
Barack Obama, on Monday sent a special message to Nigerians, urging a credible
and peaceful polls.
President Obama Sends Message To Nigerians Urging Credible
Polls
In a video posted on Youtube today by US Embassy Nigeria,
President Obama reminded the people about their struggle for the country’s
independence from colonialism, the struggle against military dictatorship and
the need to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength.
Read the full text of President Obama’s Message to the
Nigerian People below:
Hello. Today, I want to speak directly to you—the people of
Nigeria. Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve
made. Together, you won your independence, emerged from military rule, and
strengthened democratic institutions. You’ve strived to overcome division and
to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength. You’ve worked hard to
improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa.
Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next
chapter of Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming elections. For
elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful.
All Nigerians must be able to cast their votes without
intimidation or fear. So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear
to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections—and that
they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during,
or after the votes are counted. I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express
your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence.
And when elections are free and fair, it is the
responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.
Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the urgent
challenges you face today. Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist group that kills
innocent men, women and children—must be stopped. Hundreds of kidnapped
children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been
forced to flee deserve to return to their homes.
Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have
worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s
progress. I’m told that there is a saying in your country: “to keep Nigeria one
is a task that must be done.” Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all religions,
all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep Nigeria one. And
in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all
Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States
of America.
- http://www.naij.com/
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