Statement by US envoy W. Stuart Symington on Nigeria's polls
- The United State has congratulated Nigerians for maintaining peace for most parts of the country during the general elections
- The US ambassador, W. Stuart Symington, in his statement said that Nigerians through the elections have proven their resolve to choose their leaders
- Symington also urged politicians and all candidates to honour the peace accord they signed before the commencement of the polls
As the collation and announcement of results for the presidential and National Assembly elections are ongoing, foreign observer groups are making their remarks on the nature of the polls throughout the nation.
The ambassador of the United States (US) to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington, has released a statement on how the elections were conducted and the comportment of Nigerians throughout the voting exercises.
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Symington said that the polls were peaceful to a large extent and that Nigerians, through their civil conduct during the processes, proved their resolve to choose their leaders.
The US envoy called on politicians and candidates to remain and honour the peace accord they signed before the elections.
The statement said: "I congratulate the tens of millions of Nigerians who stood patiently in long lines to vote this week and the hundreds of thousands who worked together with INEC to conduct the elections.
"As noted by many observer groups in their preliminary reports, this election was predominantly peaceful, and it was proof of the Nigerian people’s resolute commitment to choose their leaders.
"The peaceful achievement of millions was shadowed by the violence of a few. We extend our deepest sympathy to the families of those who lost their lives, and we urge all candidates to honor the Peace Accord they signed.
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"All should convince those who support them to refrain from using force or violence to interfere with INEC. No one should break the law by announcing results before INEC does, or break the peace by claiming victory before the results are final.
"Everyone has a common interest in showing patience as INEC collates and announces the election results."
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the PDP, on Friday, February 15, said he received a phone call from the US government reaffirming the international community’s commitment to free and fair elections in Nigeria.
Atiku who made this known through his verified twitter handle, further disclosed that the US secretary of state, Michael R. Pompeo, made the call on behalf of the government.
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Source: Legit.ng
