The United Kingdom, on Wednesday, has urged all stakeholders to ensure that Saturday’s governorship and State Houses of Assembly elections are peaceful and credible.
The call was made in a statement issued by the British High Commission on its website. The statement while urging Nigerians to come out and vote on Saturday, revealed that those, who incite violence, even on social media, may face visa ban.
The statement read, “The British High Commission encourages Nigerians to turn out and vote on Saturday 9 March in elections for State Governorships and State Houses of Assembly. These elections are an important opportunity for citizens to exercise their democratic rights and choose their leaders.
“We hope that the causes of logistical issues on the 23 February election have been identified and addressed. We commend INEC staff and the National Youth Service Corps, who play a critical role in the delivery of elections, often in difficult circumstances. We hope that they will be given every support and protection necessary to ensure the smooth and peaceful delivery of elections free from fear of intimidation or interference in the electoral process.
“We were concerned by reports of high levels of violence in some states across Nigeria during the recent Presidential elections, including reports of violent clashes involving the military in Rivers State. We condemn all acts of violence and call for those responsible to be brought to justice. We call on all actors, including political parties and security personnel, to work together to provide a peaceful environment for Nigerians to vote on 9 March. We remind all actors that anyone involved in violence or inciting violence, including on social media, could face restrictions on their ability to travel to the UK.
The UK will again field observer teams across Nigeria on 9 March as part of our efforts to support Nigerian democracy.”
