United States’ President Barack Obama has called on Nigerians to come out en masse to cast their votes during the upcoming elections, saying successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria surmount the Boko Haram challenge the country faces today.
In a video message sent directly to Nigerians which was obtained by the Hausa Service of the BBC, Obama said that successful elections are key to stopping Boko Haram and allowing more than a million displaced Nigerians to return to their homes.
“Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your nation’s progress,” he said.
The Nigerian military has recently retaken most of the Boko Haram-occupied towns with the help of forces from Chad, Niger and Cameroon.
Obama reminded Nigerians about their struggle for the country’s independence from colonialism, the struggle against military dictatorship and the need to turn the country’s diversity into a source of strength.
Obama, who called on leaders and all aspirants to make it clear to their supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections, and also urged them not to 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,” the US president stated, adding that when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who wins.
Acknowledging the efforts the country has made to get to its current level, he said that Nigerians should be proud of the progress they have made, especially in the area of strengthening and sustaining its democratic institutions.
Earlier, US Vice President Joe Biden and Secretary of State John Kerry had urged leaders of the two main political parties and their presidential candidates to ensure that the March 28 and April 11 elections are violent free.
The text of President Obama’s video message, reads below in part: “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.
“Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet the urgent challenges you face today. Boko Haram a brutal terrorist group that kills innocent men, women and children — must be stopped, he said.
“’I’m told that there is a saying in your country: ‘to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done.’ Today, I urge all Nigerians from all religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions to come together and keep Nigeria one.”
Finally, Obama pledged his country’s partnership with Nigeria in this task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians.
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