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| Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf |
The Head of the Economic Community of West African States Observation Mission to Nigeria, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, on Friday said all Africans were standing in solidarity with Nigerians as they choose their President and members of the National Assembly.
Johnson-Sirleaf, a former Liberian President, said this at a press conference in Abuja.
She expressed satisfaction with the arrangements so far put in place by the Independent National Electoral Commission to ensure the success of the election.
Although she admitted that the process has not been easy, she was quick to add that nothing worth fighting for is easy to come by.
She therefore called on Nigerians and national leaders to continue to maintain peace and adhere to the rule of law.
Johnson-Sirleaf said, “Tomorrow (Saturday), you will have the privilege to vote for leaders of your choice, and in doing so, consolidate the country’s young democracy.
“The process has not been easy, but nothing worth fighting for is. The people of Africa stand in solidarity with you.
“We extend thanks, admiration, and gratitude to the Nigerian people for their patience in the face of the last minute interruptions to their lives with the postponement of the 2019 general elections.
“We have watched the progress of INEC over the past week working together with domestic and international partners in addressing the logistical and technical challenges.
“We are pleased that these operational constraints have been significantly addressed, thus creating a conducive atmosphere for tomorrow’s general elections.
“This signals deepening and the building of confidence in the electoral process.
“We commend you brothers and sisters across the length and breadth of this great country for remaining calm and resilient as these concerns were addressed.
“The signing of the 2019 National Peace Accord facilitated by the National Peace Committee is a further demonstration of the commitment of Nigeria to democracy.
“We are confident that the same level of maturity will be demonstrated during the remaining phase of the electoral process.
“We applaud Nigeria for the pivotal role played in maintaining peace and the restoration of democracy in our sub-region. Several ECOWAS member states, including Liberia, Sierra Leone, and The Gambia are today considered post-conflict success stories because of Nigeria’s positive peacekeeping role.
“We now call upon the national leaders and people of Nigeria to continue to maintain peace and adhere to the rule of law. We look forward to joining a proud nation in the celebration of a successful election.”
When asked to react to the controversy generated by President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive that ballot box snatchers be dealt with ruthlessly, the former Liberian President simply said, “I believe the INEC chairman and the IGP have given a proper interpretation of the statement that was made. I have nothing to add.”
On her assessment of security arrangements so far, Johnson-Sirleaf said security agencies had done well and expressed the belief that they would consolidate on their efforts on Saturday.
She also admitted that INEC had put in a lot of efforts to ensure a successful electoral process.
