With the continent’s most populous nation, Nigeria heading for presidential elections coming up this Saturday, the White House released a video of President Barack Obama’s message to the people of Nigeria earlier this morning. “Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you have made. Together you have won your independence, emerged from military rule and strengthened democratic institutions,” remarked President Obama during the opening of his message.
The Nigerian general elections, the country’s fifth elections since the end of military rule in 1999, will enable voters to elect the President and members to the Senate and to the House of Representatives. Originally scheduled for February 14th, 2015, the country’s quadrennial elections were postponed by six weeks to March 28th, 2015. According to news reports, the delay was due to the Nigerian government’s attempts to reclaim large parts of the north-eastern region of the country from the extremist Islamic insurgent group 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 their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have built,” said President Obama in his message.
The run-up to elections has been contentious and marked by violent outbreaks within parts of the country. “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,” said President Obama.
“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,” President Obama said, “I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views.”
“I am 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 in 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,” concluded President Obama.
