₦airaland Forum

EU Commends 2011 Polls, Urges Prosecution of Electoral Offenders

For the first time since the commencement of the nascent democratic experience in Nigeria, the European Union has come up openly to commend the 2011 elections, while calling on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to take immediate steps to prosecute those arrested for electoral offences.

The EU also urged all aggrieved candidates in the elections to pursue their grievances within the rule of law even as it commended the efforts of the EU Election Observation Mission, saying they did a good job.

In a statement signed by the High representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission, Catherine Ashton in Brussels and made available to THISDAY, the European Union congratulated Nigerians for the conduct of a credible elections, stating the 2011 represents a significant improvement on previous elections in Nigeria, since the return of democratic rule to Nigeria.

According to Ashton, "I congratulate the people of Nigeria on the holding of successful election and for their determination to participate in the democratic life of their country. The National Assembly, Presidential, Gover-norship and State House of Assembly elections of 2011 represents a significant improvement on previous years and can be considered at this stage as the most credible elections since Nigeria's return to democracy in 1999."

The statement also commended President Goodluck Jonathan as the president-elect, governors, and legislators on their election, wishing them well as well as urging them to ensure an inclusive agenda based on accountability to the electorate, delivery of improved governance, and the pursuit of economic and social development for the nation.

According to the statement, EU looks forward to working closely with the new government and to continue to partner with Nigeria in support of good governance, democracy and social and economic growth.

On the observed irregularities, Ashton said, "A number of irregularities and deficiencies were nevertheless observed during the elections, and I urge INEC to swiftly assess the electoral process in order to strengthen it further and to take adequate and transparent action against any electoral offenders." "The EU condemns all acts of violence surrounding the elections and the ensuing loss of life and displacement of people.

"The EU encourages the Nigerian authorities to take the necessary action to protect the rights of all citizens affected and to bring to justice the perpetrators of violence.

Ashton urged all aggrieved candidates in the elections to pursue their grievances within the rule of law even as she commended the efforts of the EU Election Observation Mission saying they did a good job.

She said, "Furthermore the EU calls on all stakeholders in the elections to respect democratic processes and to pursue any grievances peacefully and within the rule of law

http://allafrica.com/stories/201105060783.html

I can't feel pity for them. . .

Judgement Day!

Well done!

PhysicsMHD:
Everybody wants a piece of the pie. . .

Not everyone can get that piece of the pie. . .

So what happens?

SW PDP if there are any left should shut up.

They are irrelevant.

So Rhino knows another language besides his mother tongue.

Maybe he is smarter than the way he acts.

Ileke-IdI:
Yes, that's what OBJ should focus his attention on; foreign affairs, not SW affairs.

Old bag of bones not ashamed of himself. He'll choke/die on that PDP feces.

Such hate!

koruji, you have gained my respect.

I like your passion for ACN.

doctorT:
^^^^ I am so sure, PDP will give the 2015 ticket to the North. SE might be the biggest loser in this govt if SW is given the Speaker.

SW is not even being considered for the speaker now.

alj_harem is very funny. I cannot take him seriously.

ACN is a regional party. People cannot explain why ACN only did well in the SW, and not in any other state besides Edo state.

Until you all answer that, the perception will remain the same.

alj_harem, you are just as much a Northerner as I am Yoruba.

jason123:
I'll advise you to leave Ezeuche. He is simply an unrepentant bigot (No offence to whom it may concern).

Worry about someone else.

Koruji is making very good points. However, I disagree with him. Learn from him, then you will be able to understand I do not hate Yorubas.

vladimiros:
anyone who thinks ibibio and efik would join igbo and form biafra should be tied to a tree and flogged

You are the same individual who cannot speak a word of Ibibio. Do not comment, since Ibibios/Efik have remained stalwart allies of the Ndigbo. Or maybe you are Annang. . .

Thank God for Ibibio men like this. 

https://images.biafranigeriaworld.com/Effiong3.jpg

^^^

I always knew alj_harem was a Yoruba. This post clearly represents it.

No Northerner would care if I insult ACN. 

Anyway, I still support Fashola. He is making Lagos business friendly for us Igbos.

koruji:
No!

You just hate Yoruba politics? The politics that got rid of cretins at the helm of our affairs. I see the point now. Since you wish nothing good on Awolowo and his people, you would rather prefer the curse of bad governance on our people to the competence, at least so far, being displayed by ACN governors.

Look it didn't start with Fashola. OBJ, Yar'adua and GEJ combined had the same space of time as Tinubu and Fashola. Compare their performances then let's talk.

I just hope your hard-riding, empty, braggado doesn't encourage GEJ to misuse this one opportunity.

Did I say such? I am not your people's enemy. Simply stating that the ACN is a Yoruba party. And I am not the only one who holds this perception.

And due to the legacy of Awolowo with this particular party, I cannot support it.

How can you say I dislike your people when[b] I am in full support of Fashola[/b] and will vote for him if he runs for president?

^^^^

Still fresh in the mind of many in the East. My parents survived that war so it will continue to remain fresh. It is not like it was a war that occurred centuries ago as you try to portray it.

Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it.

The sad fact is that you all are trying to push your party on a region that does not want it.

Now keep it in the SW.   

jason123:
So you think you can insult Awolowo and still stay in their region and be comfortable. Well, I sincerely hope most Igbos do not think like you because when these people turn "red" eye on you guys (remember how Igbos laughed at Ahmado bello's death), you will be surprised that the peace loving, cowardly yorubas can be like this. This is my last reply to you here.

When did I ever stay in the SW? Sorry, but most Igbos and other Easterners do not have a favorable view of Awolowo. He is considered a tribalist by many and we all find it weird that you all worship him.

Awolowo killed many of my people through his policies and you want me to show respect? Sorry but "Pa" Awolowo will never get my respect.

It is not that I dislike Yorubas, I just hate your politics. And I have a dislike for Awolowo, which can be considered hate.

koruji:
If only you know what the ACN formula is offering you people, you would grab it with both hands.

True Federalism, a high degree of regional independence and the rapid advancement that will definitely be the fruits.

You are blinded by hatred for anything that remotely involves Yoruba people, so you don't count.

Igbos will never see eye to eye with the Yorubas in politics. We have different interest.

I and many other Igbos do not want anything from a party that is the legacy of the mass murderer Awolowo.

So keep ACN in the south-west. Thank you.

jason123:
How did they sweep Edo?? How did they get some sits in Benue?? What about Anambra What about the political heavy weights in Akwa Ibom Guy, YOU see it as a regional party, Atiku did not when he wanted to contest. Its only you guys on NL. ACN will surely win more states if/when they preform well in their states. You can count on that.

We already know why they swept Edo. And the emphasis is SOME seats in Benue, and only two positions in Anambra. ACN was not going anywhere in Akwa Ibom state, but the current governor's heavy handed activities is what made people think ACN had a chance.

When have I heard this before?

Watch ACN crumble as the fratricidal politics of the SW consume it.

jason123:
Tribalism will surely blind you from seeing anything good in Ngige's comment. What about tony one week? What about Benue state??

How is it tribalism, by stating the obvious. ACN is a Yoruba party. Why is it that ACN has swept the SW, but not any other region?

ACN will remain a regional party.

As I said before, if Ngige needs to say this, then the perception around Nigeria is that ACN is a Yoruba party.

Ngige is just a token Igbo in a Yoruba party.

Lagos is good for business. There is no denying that.

I wont let tribalism get in the way of business. 

Ohakim needs to give up.

He is definitely embarrassing the Ndigbo.

Fashola is a great governor. Of course he should get much praise.

https://media.economist.com/images/images-magazine/2011/05/07/ma/20110507_map005.jpg