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.
As preparations intensify for general elections in Nigeria, starting Saturday, the
United States President, Barack Obama, on Monday sent a special message to
Nigerians, urging credible and peaceful polls.
In the message sent directly to Nigerians, President Obama reminded the people
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.
“I call on all Nigerians to peacefully express your views and to reject the voices
of those who call for violence,” Mr. Obama said.
“And when elections are free and fair, it is the responsibility of all citizens to
help keep the peace, no matter who wins,” he added.
Read full text of Mr. Obama’s Message to the Nigerian People below:
“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.
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. Hundreds of kidnapped
children deserve to be returned to their families. Nigerians who have been
forced to flee deserve 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.
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. And in this
task of advancing the security, prosperity, and human rights of all Nigerians,
you will continue to have a friend and partner in the United States of America.



source : www.saharareporters.com/2015/03/23/obama-writes-nigerians-over-elections-urges-peace