The United States has called on Nigerian government to bring to justice everyone that was involved in violence including intimidation of voters and suppression of voting during the last elections.
A statement on Tuesday by the United States Embassy in Nigeria reads: “We call on Nigerian authorities to hold accountable and bring to justice any individuals found to have ordered or carried out efforts to intimidate voters and suppress voting during the election process.
It stated that the United States was deeply troubled by the disturbing acts of violent voter intimidation and suppression that took place during those polls in Lagos, Kano, and other states.
The statement also mentioned that members of the U.S. diplomatic mission observed the elections in Lagos and elsewhere and witnessed some of these incidents first-hand.
While condemning the use of ethnically charged rhetoric before, during, and after the gubernatorial election in Lagos, the US Mission commend all Nigerian political actors, religious and community leaders, youth, and citizens who have chosen to reject and speak out against such violence and inflammatory language, thus affirming Nigerians’ commitment to and respect for the democratic process.
The US further calls for Nigeria’s people to work together as they participate in and continue to strengthen the country’s vibrant democracy.
The mission made elaborate reference to ethnically charged statements made in Lagos and some unwholesome practices in Kano. Regrettably, nothing was said about the situation in the South East, where gunmen were shooting sporadically to scare people from coming out to vote for candidates of their choice.
