Obama speaks to Nigerians over elections, urges peace

as preparations intensify for general elections in Nigeria, starting Saturday, the United States President, Barack Obama, on Monday sent a special message to Nigerians, urging a credible and peaceful polls.

In the message sent directly to Nigerians, President Obama reminded the people about their struggle for the country’s independence from colonialism, the struggle against military dictatorship and the need to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength.

“I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence,” Mr. Obama said.

“And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins,” he added.

Read full text of Mr. Obama’s Message to the Nigerian People after this cut….

“Hello.  Today, I want to speak directly to you—the people of Nigeria.

Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve made.  Together, you won your independence, emerged from military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions.  You’ve strived to overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength.  You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the largest economy in Africa.

Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming elections.  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.

So 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.  I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence.  And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.