Ensure eligible voters vote, US tells FG

The United States on Monday in Kaduna asked the Goodluck Jonathan-led Federal Government to ensure that all eligible voters were not disenfranchised in the February elections in the country.
It also warned politicians against unguarded statement that could jeopardise the forthcoming polls, adding that the February election was another golden opportunity for Nigeria to show its commitment to democratic values and institutions.
The US Ambassador to Nigeria, James Entwistle, stated this at the opening of a-week-long training for Nigerian journalists preparatory to the 2015 general elections in Kaduna on Monday.
The envoy insisted that the government should ensure that all registered voters were able to participate freely as the US strongly supports a free and credible elections.
He said there was no doubt that the February elections presented the country with another golden opportunity to demonstrate a lasting commitment to democratic values and institutions.
Entwistle warned political leaders and politicians in general to refrain from making inflammatory statements that had the tendencies to promote violence before, during and after the general elections.
He said, “Just 33 days from today, the 2015 general elections will begin. These elections present a golden opportunity for Nigeria to demonstrate its lasting commitment to democratic values and institutions.
“The United States strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, inclusive and non-violent electoral process.
“We therefore continue to call upon all Nigerians to refrain from advocating, formenting, or condoning violence before, during or after the elections.
“We urge political parties and the government to ensure that all registered voters are able to participate freely in peaceful and transparent process.
“In order to create an environment, where that can happen, Nigeria’s political leadership and all those who aspire to lead must refrain from engaging in inflammatory rhetorics or supporting acts of intimidation.
“Let me reiterate that the United States stands with Nigeria as you continue on the democratic path. We do so as your friend and partner. You have many friends and partners who want Nigeria to succeed, and the United States stands at the front of that line.”