The United States Congress has warned President Muhammadu Buhari to stop the harassment of the opposition political leaders, following recent perceived crackdown on some political figures in the country.

The warning by the US Congress is coming on the heels of a N156 million fraud allegation against former Vice-President and Presidential candidate of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP) by the federal government.

The UN Congress warning is contained in a bipartisan resolution urging the government of Nigeria, along with Nigeria’s political parties, to ensure electoral accountability and transparency in the upcoming February election.

A statement made available to THISDAY by Zachary Seidl of the US Congressional office, said the resolution, which has been adopted by the US Congress, was introduced on Wednesday, by Rep. Karen Bass, a top Democrat serving on the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa, along with the Chairman of the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Elliot L. Engel, the top Republican serving the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Africa Congressman Chris Smith, Nigeria Caucus Co-Chairs Representatives Steve Chabot and Shelia Jackson Lee, and Representative Gregory Meeks.

“The upcoming elections in Nigeria, Africa’s largest democracy and economy, are critical to the future of the nation. Reports of President Muhammadu Buhari’s apparent crackdown on non-violent protests and harassment of opposition leaders are extremely concerning, as well as the ongoing violence that has been perpetrated by extremists, particularly in the Middle Belt region. The violence must be stopped, along with any subversion of the electoral process. The Nigerian government must see to free and fair elections, which this resolution calls for,” said Ranking Member Smith.

They urged President Buhari to copy the smooth transition in 2015 from the ruling party to the opposition, as their commitment to the strengthening of democracy in Nigeria.

“I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this legislation, which reaffirms the United States’ long-standing commitment to strengthening democracy in Nigeria. In 2015, Nigeria became another democratic role model for countries on the continent, showing that a credible electoral process could result in the peaceful transition of power from an incumbent to the opposition. Regardless of the outcome, my hope for the upcoming presidential, gubernatorial, and National Assembly elections is that Nigerian politicians, citizens, and the electoral commission will build on the successes of 2015 to further consolidate democracy in Nigeria,” said Chairman Engel.

The Congressmen harped on the imperative of conducting free and credible elections. “It is critical that Nigeria remain a role model in its region for democratic institutions and work to ensure free and fair elections. There can be no democracy without full confidence in the results of an election, and it is vital that there is full transparency so that February leaves no doubt as to the outcome,” said Representative Meeks.


According to Representative Bass, “It is in the best interest of the United States to maintain a strong bilateral relationship with a politically stable, democratic, and economically sound Nigeria that can play a leadership role in the region and the continent more broadly.

“A credible, transparent and peaceful election this coming February would further consolidate democratic gains achieved over the last two decades. Nigerians are deeply committed to democracy and ensuring transparency in electoral preparations, which would build public confidence in the electoral process. This resolution sends the message that the people of the United States will continue to stand with the people of Nigeria in support of peace and democracy.”

Still on US-Nigeria collaboration, Representative Chabot said, “As Co-Chair of the Congressional Nigeria Caucus, I appreciate the importance of a strong bilateral relationship with Nigeria and applaud its citizens for their commitment to democracy.

“There is still work to be done, however, to ensure that Nigeria’s upcoming elections are transparent, peaceful, and credible. Our resolution lays out the necessary steps to achieve these goals, and urges Nigeria to conduct elections free of violence. Conducting high-quality elections will strengthen our bilateral relationship, help consolidate Nigerian democracy, and be an example to other countries.”

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2019/01/19/poll-stop-harassing-opposition-leaders-us-congress-warns-buhari/?amp

Nice one

I wish Trump can just have time for this buhri/jubril once

Thank God they noticed. Buhari and his people are becoming desperate. Imagine lai Mohammed coming out to threaten to arrest Atiku the main opposition presidential candidate for an offence allegedly committed in 1999. Deji Adeyanju is been held for crimes he allegedly committed while still in the university. Crimes he has been prosecuted for and the court has declared him not guilty. He is still being held right now inspire of a court granting him bail. Dino melaye was granted bail yesterday, I hope this lawless government will adhere to the court's judgement

.....

Sarrki: The US congress are IPOB

: They are PDP moles

Madridguy: Reno and FFK are behind this

Buhari: I don't know the technology they used in saying this things

Osinbajo: The President was not aware that opposition was been harrased until last week

Amaechi: The president does not listen to anybody. He doesn’t care. You can write what you want to write. The president doesn’t care. Does he read?

Who are the US congressmen .....those one that allow fugitives and corrupt officials to sneak in and out of their country without doing nothing..


They are jefferson and Atiku padi

If a man is honest, his neighbors will not advise him from their house,they will come to his room talk to him.

Buhari should just park his load and go to Mararaba and enter Molue going to Daura jejely

They should warn him very well, Buhari is a disgrace

Atiku is US bad mouthing Nigeria. Very unpatriotic criminal. Few more weeks to go. His beating will be unparalleled.

I doubt the Dullard can understand that statement

The Demented dead man from Daura is finished

They are panicking cos they are bound to fail

An Olodo will always be an Olodo. The signs are so vivid. Buhari is going back to daura.



They challenged AtiKu go to the States, AtiKu don break their screenguards. Now we challenge buhari to go for the debate. Fear fear man.

Useless congressmen who could not speak without being one-sided.

If U.S like let them declare their support fully for Atiku or bring down the whole government to Nigeria just to monitor election, Buhari will still win.

Heheheheh!!!!....e be like say even America don comot hand for buhari mata like......

He needs to be warn thoroughly. Buhari is a total nightmare to anything called democracy.

Tell Him. He thinks this is 1976. I'm Atikulating.

The scriptures says "If the way of a man pleases the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him."

The warning to Buhari is a sign the international community no longer like or want him. It is a sign Buhari's ways no longer pleases God. Ceaseless blood flows of children, men and women in the middle belt slaughtered by herdsmen while Buhari maintains a conspiratorial silence. Vindictiveness and hatred for the SE/SS. Arrogance and deification in the north, trying to share glory with the Almighty as a 'god.'

Buhari has been divinely rejected and replaced by Atiku. Handover will be delayed. International community may have to repeat warnings before Atiku is finally sworn in.

Buhari is a fool

What is good for buhari during Obama time

Is good for atiku this Trump leadership

Haaa.... This message is so long overdue..... Buhari and APC should have been told this since last year

Even Buhari knows that he has lost

chiefolododo:
I wish Trump can just have time for this buhri/jubril once

like what time jare? In a sovereign state? Eyin dindinrin. Wetim he do Mugabe?