- United States Embassy in Nigeria has spoken on the forthcoming general elections in the country
- In a video broadcast, US ambassador to Nigeria urged Nigerians to vote according to conscience without influence
- Stuart Symington also used the platform to call for a level-playing field for candidates of political parties
The United States ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has called for peace during the February 2019 general elections, adding that Nigeria must move out en mass to perform their civic duty and make sure that their votes count.
Symington made this known on Tuesday, February 5, during a video broadcast, which was also published on the verified official Twitter handle of the US.
Legit.ng gathers that Symington, who said the elections must be free and credible, warned that the world will be watching Nigeria, hence calling for unity and sense of patriotism during elections.
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He said: "The elections are a remarkable opportunity for all Nigerians to come together and for every citizen to express their will. What the United States hopes to see in your elections in this year 2019 are elections that are free, fair, credible and above all transparent.
"In this process, I know one thing: it is absolutely important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally take part, beginning right now by knowing what your rights are.
"On election day, you won’t have an effect unless you vote. It’s important that you work together to make sure that your votes are counted."
Symington also used the platform to call for a level-playing field for candidates of political parties, adding that Nigeria must avoid being influenced by desperate politicians.
He said: “As we get ready for your elections, one of the most important things is that there is level-playing field, meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with Nigerian law.
“Elections are only one part of the democratic process. The words and the actions that happen in these final days and all the work of government afterwards, are as important to democracy as the elections themselves.
"So, in a nutshell, know your rights. Two, Vote and exercise them. Three, if you work for the government or for a party, make sure you remember that it is your individual responsibility to act consistently with the laws."
See tweets:
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Meanwhile, Legit.ng previously reported that the United States Embassy in Nigeria had reacted to the federal government's suspension and replacement of Justice Walter Onnoghen.
The embassy said that it was concerned over the fact that the decision has triggered a lot of negative reactions and criticisms from most Nigerians.
The US embassy called on the presidency to swiftly resolve the issues that have stemmed from the decision with due process.
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Source: Legit.ng