Obama writes Nigerians over elections, urges peace

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 a 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.