Ambassador of the United States to Nigeria, James Entwistle, on Tuesday gave the warning in his opening remarks at a workshop on ‘Community Reporting for Building of Democratic Values in the Run-up to the 2015 General Election,’ for journalists in Kaduna, ThisDay reports.
He urged the nation’s political leadership and aspirants to refrain from inflammatory rhetoric and supporting acts of intimidation ahead of the general elections which is barely a month away.
The US envoy also called on political parties and the Nigerian government to ensure that all registered voters are able to freely participate in the upcoming polls in a peaceful and transparent manner.
Entwistle further stated that the elections present a golden opportunity for the country to demonstrate its commitment to democratic values and institutions.
“The United States strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, inclusive, and non violent electoral process. We continue to call upon all Nigerians to refrain from advocating, fomenting, or condoning violence before, during, or after the elections. Nigeria’s friends and allies around the world also are deeply invested in helping to ensure that the 2015 elections are free, fair, peaceful, and credible. Throughout the electoral process, international audiences also will rely on you (reporters) for timely, accurate, and insightful reporting that will reflect whether those goals are being met,” he said.
The US ambassador, however, stressed that good journalism is imperative to the electoral process and elections which protects the rights of all Nigerians to use the ballot box to reflect the views and concerns of their communities.
He said the electioneering process helps to create a stable and democratic government, regardless of which candidate wins.
“Professional media are among the most powerful tools available to support a free, credible, inclusive, and peaceful electoral process in which democratic principles are adhered to by all parties, candidates, and institutions,” he said.
According to him, journalists job carries a tremendous amount of responsibility, and the shape and outcome of the electoral process depend in very great measure on the good work they do.
In a related development, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned last week’s terror attack on the offices of French magazine Charlie Hebdo, which resulted in murder of eight journalists.
The commission in a statement issued on Tuesday, by its President, Ambassador Desire Ouedraogo, said the unacceptable act reminds the international community of the need to continue, with great resolve, all the efforts to combat extremism and terrorism in all its forms.
“ECOWAS acknowledges France’s commitment on this subject and would like to reiterate its full support and encouragement in this legitimate campaign to uphold and promote fundamental freedoms,” it read.
Meanwhile, the All Progressive Candidate Presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari (retd), has been confirmed a graduate of the United States Army War College in 1980, the college confirmed.
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