Hello. Today, I want to speak directly to you—the people of
Nigeria.
Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the
progress you’ve made. Together, you won your independence, emerged from
military rule, and strengthened democratic institutions. You’ve strived to
overcome division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength.
You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build the
largest economy in Africa.
Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next
chapter of Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming elections. For
elections to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful. All Nigerians
must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear.
So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to
their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections—and that
they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before, during,
or after the votes are counted. I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express
your views and to reject the voices of those who call for violence. And when
elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help
keep the peace, no matter who wins.
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