The Commonwealth Observation Mission has pledged to support Nigeria in conducting free, fair and credible elections.
The Commission’s Secretary General, Mrs. Patricia Scotland made the pledge during her visit to the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abuja, Nigerian capital.
Mrs. Patricia commended the signing of Peace Accord by the Presidential candidates and urged them to respect the agreement to ensure peaceful and credible elections.
“There are some politicians who believe that violence is best way to achieve their mission, but I believe this time around Nigerians will recist it,” she said.
She commended former Nigerian president, General Abdulsalam Abubakar and former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan who initiated the Signing of Peace Accord Agreement that helped in strengthening Nigerian Democracy.
“Today we come to celebrate the second signing Peace Agreement through what Nigeria has achieved through the Peace Commission which was created in 2015 by the former Nigerian president General Abdulsalam Abubakar together with former Secretary General of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Annan which led to the wonderful safe transition from former Nigerian president Goodluck Jonathan to the current President Mummadu Buhari,” the Secretary General said.
Nigerian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Geoffrey Onyeama commended the role of the Commonwealth in supporting Democracy in Africa and the World, and assured the Commonwealth Secretary General of Nigerian commitment in conducting free, fair and credible elections.
“Nigeria is appreciating the excellent co-operation exists between Nigeria and Commonwealth and it’s support for Democracy not only in Nigeria but also in Africa and indeed the World in general.
As you know Nigeria’s leading role in supporting Democracy in Africa,” the Minister said.
Nigeria goes to the polls in February 25th this year to elect the new president who will succeed the incumbent president Muhammadu Buhari who is finishing his second term in office.
Confidence Okwuchi
