The United States Congress has warned President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the harassment of the opposition political leaders, following recent perceived crackdown on some political figures in the country.
The
warning by the US Congress is coming on the heels of a N156 million
fraud allegation against former Vice-President and Presidential
candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) by the
federal government.
The UN Congress warning is contained in a
bipartisan resolution urging the government of Nigeria, along with
Nigeria’s political parties, to ensure electoral accountability and
transparency in the upcoming February election.
A statement made
available to THISDAY by Zachary Seidl of the US Congressional office,
said the resolution, which has been adopted by the US Congress, was
introduced on Wednesday, by Rep. Karen Bass, a top Democrat serving on
the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, along with the
Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Elliot L. Engel, the
top Republican serving the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa
Congressman Chris Smith, Nigeria Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Steve
Chabot and Shelia Jackson Lee, and Representative Gregory Meeks.
“The
upcoming elections in Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy and economy,
are critical to the future of the nation. Reports of President Muhammadu
Buhari’s apparent crackdown on non-violent protests and harassment of
opposition leaders are extremely concerning, as well as the ongoing
violence that has been perpetrated by extremists, particularly in the
Middle Belt region. The violence must be stopped, along with any
subversion of the electoral process. The Nigerian government must see to
free and fair elections, which this resolution calls for,” said Ranking
Member Smith.
They urged President Buhari to copy the smooth
transition in 2015 from the ruling party to the opposition, as their
commitment to the strengthening of democracy in Nigeria.
“I am
proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which reaffirms
the United States’ long-standing commitment to strengthening democracy
in Nigeria. In 2015, Nigeria became another democratic role model for
countries on the continent, showing that a credible electoral process
could result in the peaceful transition of power from an incumbent to
the opposition. Regardless of the outcome, my hope for the upcoming
presidential, gubernatorial, and National Assembly elections is that
Nigerian politicians, citizens, and the electoral commission will build
on the successes of 2015 to further consolidate democracy in Nigeria,”
said Chairman Engel.
The Congressmen harped on the imperative of
conducting free and credible elections. “It is critical that Nigeria
remain a role model in its region for democratic institutions and work
to ensure free and fair elections. There can be no democracy without
full confidence in the results of an election, and it is vital that
there is full transparency so that February leaves no doubt as to the
outcome,” said Representative Meeks.
According to
Representative Bass, “It is in the best interest of the United States to
maintain a strong bilateral relationship with a politically stable,
democratic, and economically sound Nigeria that can play a leadership
role in the region and the continent more broadly.
“A credible,
transparent and peaceful election this coming February would further
consolidate democratic gains achieved over the last two decades.
Nigerians are deeply committed to democracy and ensuring transparency in
electoral preparations, which would build public confidence in the
electoral process. This resolution sends the message that the people of
the United States will continue to stand with the people of Nigeria in
support of peace and democracy.”
Still on US-Nigeria
collaboration, Representative Chabot said, “As Co-Chair of the
Congressional Nigeria Caucus, I appreciate the importance of a strong
bilateral relationship with Nigeria and applaud its citizens for their
commitment to democracy.
“There is still work to be done,
however, to ensure that Nigeria’s upcoming elections are transparent,
peaceful, and credible. Our resolution lays out the necessary steps to
achieve these goals, and urges Nigeria to conduct elections free of
violence. Conducting high-quality elections will strengthen our
bilateral relationship, help consolidate Nigerian democracy, and be an
example to other countries.”
Source:- Thisdaylive
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