UN Backs Nigeria On New Election Dates.

The United Nations (UN) secretary-general, Ban Ki-Moon, on Saturday said the world body has thrown its weight behind Nigeria on the new dates fixed for the conduct of the country’s general elections.


This was contained in a statement issued by its Spokesperson, Stephane DuJarric, in New York.The statement quoted the UN scribe as saying that the global body was closely monitoring developments and was offering its full support to Nigeria towards the March 28 and April 11 new dates for the polls.The secretary-general said the UN high-level representative to Nigeria led by Mohammed Ibn Chambas, would remain actively engaged with the Nigerian authorities over the coming weeks.“The UN scribe strongly urges the government and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure these new dates are maintained in accordance with the provisions of the Nigerian constitution”.

He lauded the commitments by the presidential candidates to respect the new elections dates.

Moon also hailed the progress made by INEC in the preparation for the elections, including the distribution of Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).He urges all relevant national institutions to continue to work with INEC to ensure all voters exercise their constitutional rights to participate in the elections freely and without intimidation.

He, nevertheless, expressed strong concern over reports of election-related violence and urged all political leaders to adhere to their commitments under the Abuja accord and refrain from inflammatory statements.

According to him, it was high time political leaders condemned any inflamatory statement from their supporters that amounted to incitement or subversion of the electoral process.