President Muhammadu Buhari has assured foreign observers in the Saturday, February 16 Presidential and federal legislative elections of adequate protection.
The President, in a broadcast to the nation this evening, ahead of the election, made it clear that any statement credited to any Nigerian and any threat coming from individual citizen does not reflect the position of the federal government.
“I want to assure all Nigerians, the diplomatic community and all foreign election observers of their safety and full protection. Any comments or threats of intimidation from any source do not represent the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
“As Government has a critical role in maintaining the democratic traditions, so do citizens. I therefore urge you all, as good Nigerians, to take a personal interest in promoting and maintaining peace in your respective neighbourhoods during the elections. This is certainly not a time to allow personal, religious, sectional or party interests to drive us to desperation.”
President Buhari who acknowledged that he came into office through free, fair and peaceful election in 2015 despite contesting with an incumbent, gave assurance his government will do its best to ensure that 2019 elections take place in a secure and peaceful atmosphere.
He asked Nigerians to come out on Saturday to queue to fulfill this important obligation they have to themselves and their fellow citizens as well as “tto our common future.
“Let me at this point, reaffirm the commitment of the Federal Government to the conduct of free and fair elections in a safe and peaceful atmosphere. Just yesterday, I signed the Peace Accord alongside 72 other presidential candidates.”
President Buhari made special appeal to the youth: “do not allow yourselves to be used to cause violence and destruction. The people who want to incite you are those preparing the ground for discrediting the elections. Having lost the argument, they fear losing the elections.”
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