Election postponement : US congress man writes Buhari
* Warns of what US ‘ll do if…
By Steve Oko
Less than four days after the presidential and national assembly elections were postponed, a United States of America Congress man, Chris Smith has written President Muhammadu Buhari urging him to ensure that the 2019 polls are credible.
Smith in the strong -worded letter obtained by Wawa News Global told Buhari to ensure the polls do no fall below the 2015 benchmark set by his predecessor, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.
The ranking Republican in the House sub-committee on Africa,blamed Buhari and his close aides for the postponement of the elections.
Smith said some of the President’s actions in the recent times such as the unilateral removal of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN Waltar Onnoghen, could undermine the credibility of the polls.
He warned that US would not watch idly while Nigeria democracy is drifting towards the precipice.
Below is a full text of the letter to President Buhari entitled, ‘On the Postponement of Elections in Nigeria,’ wrote:
“Responsibility for the delay of Nigeria’s presidential election lays squarely with President Muhammadu Buhari and those close to him. Actions in advance of the election — including removal of Supreme Court Chief Justice Walter Onnoghen and arson attacks on Independent National Electoral Commission offices in opposition strongholds — are undermining confidence that this election and subsequent gubernatorial elections will be free and fair.
“At a minimum, the presidential election must meet the 2015 standard, which saw a peaceful transfer of power and a statement by the then-sitting president that all bloodshed must be avoided.”
“In addition to being sub-Saharan Africa’s most populous nation, Nigeria is its biggest economy, and what happens in Nigeria has ramifications beyond its borders,” Smith said.
“Given the magnitude of global problems Secretary Pompeo must contend with, he should consider appointing a Special Envoy for Nigeria vested with full authority.
“The State Department must use all tools at its disposal, including visa denial and sanctioning authority, to hold accountable those who undermine democracy and foment sectarian and ethnic violence,” Smith added.”
End
Steve Oko, Publisher/C.E.O, WaWa News Global. For more information on advert placement and news coverage, contact us on: 08038725600, or via email stevemanofgod2000@yahoo.com; wawanewsglobal@gmail.com Always read WaWa News Global - Your most dependable online news platform for the latest breaking news in Nigeria.
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