The United States ambassador to Nigeria, Stuart Symington, has said the states was looking forward to witnessing an electoral process that is transparent and reflects the true will of the Nigerian people.
Symington called on Nigerians to come out en-mass to perform their civic duty and ensure that votes are counted on February 2019 presidential elections.
Symington warned that US and the world will be watching Nigeria, hence calling for unity, free and fair processes during elections.
Symington made this known on Tuesday, January 5, during a video broadcast, which was also published on the verified official Twitter handle of the US.
He said: ”The elections are a remarkable opportunity for all Nigerians to come together and for every citizen to express their will. What the United States hopes to see in your elections in this year 2019 are elections that are free, fair, credible and above all transparent.
”In this process, I know one thing: it is absolutely important for the citizens of Nigeria to personally take part, beginning right now by knowing what your rights are.
”On election day, you won’t have an effect unless you vote. It’s important that you work together to make sure that your votes are counted.”
Symington also used the platform to call for a level playing field for candidates of political parties, adding that Nigeria must avoid being influenced by desperate politicians.
“As we get ready for your elections, one of the most important things is that there is level-playing field, meaning that no officials, no security forces, no electoral officials, no politicians seek to influence you in a way that is not consistent with Nigerian law.
“Elections are only one part of the democratic process. The words and the actions that happen in these final days and all the work of government afterwards, are as important to democracy as the elections themselves.
“So, in a nutshell, know your rights. Two, Vote and exercise them. Three, if you work for the government or for a party, make sure you remember that it is your individual responsibility to act consistently with the laws.”
VIDEO:
#NigeriaDecides2019: We look forward to witnessing an electoral process that is transparent, credible, free, fair, and peaceful. Election that reflects the true will of the Nigerian people pic.twitter.com/3jYZG0VGUS
— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USinNigeria) February 5, 2019
