Ban Ki-Moon Urges FG And INEC To Adhere To New Election Dates

The Secretary-General to the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, on Saturday urged the Federal Government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure that the new dates for elections in Nigeria are maintained, in accordance with the provisions of the nation's constitution.

He also maintained that the UN is closely monitoring developments in the country and offers its full support to Nigeria towards the new dates for the elections.

According to a statement issued by UN Spokesperson, Stephane DuJarric, in New York made available to Sunday Independent on Saturday, Ki-moon welcomed the commitments by the candidates to the Presidency to respect the new calendar.

The statement released in Lagos by the National Information Officer, United Nations Information Centre (UNIC), in Lagos, Oluseyi Soremekun, stated that the UN boss commended the progress made by INEC in the preparation for the elections, including the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs).

He urged all relevant national institutions to continue to work with INEC to ensure all voters can exercise their constitutional right to participate in the elections freely and without intimidation.

Ban ki-moon, however, expresses strong concern over reports of election-related violence.

He urged all political leaders to adhere to their commitments under the Abuja Accord, to refrain from inflammatory statements and to immediately condemn any statements from their supporters that amount to an incitement to violence or subversion of the electoral process.

He reiterated that the United Nations will be closely following developments and is offering its full support to Nigeria at this important moment.

He maintained that his High-Level Representative to Nigeria, Mohamed Ibn Chambas, will remain actively engaged with the Nigerian authorities over the coming weeks.


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Daily Independent
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