United States President, Barrack Obama, has cautioned Nigerians against any form of violence, before, during and after the elections, insisting that for elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful.
His caution is coming just four days to the kick off of the general elections, with the Presidential contest holding on Saturday. But Obama’s admonition is coming just as some anxious Nigerians are drawing cash from the banks and storing foodstuffs, fuel and other essentials, to hedge against a possible hitch in the elections that could lead to a longer than anticipated stay at home.
Obama who spoke in a short video clip released yesterday on Youtube, maintained that Nigeria’s unity is not only sacred but a task that must be done, explaining that a successful election and democratic process is one where citizens cast their votes without intimidation or fear, as this is crucial in the country’s attempt surmount her current woes.
Nigeria, Africa’s biggest economy, will conduct its presidential elections on March 28th in a two horse race between incumbent President Goodluck Jonathan and a four time aspirant, Muhammadu Buhari, in what analysts says is the most closely contested election since the return of a democratic government in 1999.
Obama acknowledged that Nigeria, as a country which has struggled to gain independence, emerged from military rule to strengthened democratic institutions and consequently become Africa’s biggest economy. The forthcoming elections offer the country an opportunity to open a new chapter in her quest for greatness, he said.
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“You have strived to overcome divisions and turned Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength. You have worked hard to improve the lives of your families and built the largest economy in Africa. Now you have a historic opportunity to help create the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress by voting in the upcoming elections,” a concerned Obama said.
Obama further called on all political leaders and candidates to caution their supporters on the need to refrain from engaging, inciting or supporting any kind of violence, before, during or after all the votes are cast.
“I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and eject the voices of those who call for violence,” Obama said, adding that no matter who wins the election, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help maintain the peace and order.
Acknowledging the effects of the Bokoharam attacks on the Northern part of the country, Obama noted that as a brutal terrorist group, committed to killing innocent children, men and women, its excesses must be stopped.
“Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to be returned to their homes and by casting your ballot, you can help secure the nation’s progress,” he enthused.
“I urge all Nigerians from all religions and ethnic groups to come together and keep Nigeria one.
“In this task of advancing the security, prosperity and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend and a partner in the United States of America,” the US president concluded.
Meanwhile, our correspondents across the country, report that many families are stocking up on food, fuel and other essentials. The fuel is to run their vehicles and electricity generators.
They also report that there is a noticeable wave of travellers into and out of some major cities, including Lagos and Abuja. Some of the travel, it is said, is in anticipation that government might announce a holiday in the course of the week.
A visit by our correspondent to the popular Jabi Park in Abuja, confirmed this, but on a lesser note, compared to how it was in February 2015 prior to announcement of the postponement of the election.
But the motor parks in Mararaba in Nasarawa state, people were seen in droves, trying to get vehicles to their respective states and towns.
The Mararaba park which serves as the gateway to Bauchi, Plateau, Benue, Gombe, and Nasarawa was a beehive of activities, unusual for a Monday, the beginning of a new week.
Along the airport road, another axis that leads out of Abuja, many who couldn’t go to motor parks were seen waiting for vehicles to convey them out of Abuja.
Motorists who spoke to BusinessDay said there was slight increase in number of travellers over the weekend but noted that many came out yesterday to leave Abuja,
Recall that the elections, earlier scheduled for February 14 and 28 respectively were postponed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to March 28 and April 11.
A motorists who simply identified himself as Henry Ugochukwu, said that although people were travelling, the tension had greatly reduced, compared with the period prior to the postponement.
Using himself as an example, he revealed that he planned to travel before the postponement but has changed his mind, saying: “The tension has gone down.
“I was already preparing to travel with my family to my home state in the East in February before the postponement of the election.
“But now, I don’t have such plans due to the fact the tension about the election has reduced drastically”.
At the popular Wuse and Garki markets, Nigerians were seen in multitudes buying food items.
The situation was the same at the Utako, Orange, Kuje and Kubwa markets.
By our reporters
