US Condemns postponement of Nigeria General Elections

monjola sotubo

February 8, 2015 11:11 AM

US Secretary of State, John Kerry said in a statement on Sunday, February 8, that Washington is "deeply disappointed" by the poll shift.

US Secretary of State, John Kerry said in a statement on Sunday, February 8, that Washington is "deeply disappointed" by the poll shift.

"Political interference with the Independent National Electoral Commission [INEC] is unacceptable, and it is critical that the government not use security concerns as a pretext for impeding the democratic process," Kerry said.

INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega announced the postponement on Saturday, 7, citing security concerns

“There are a number of issues that are critical to elections like security which is not under the control of INEC,” Jega said.

“The security agencies reiterated that they will be concentrating their attention on the insurgency and may not be able to play the traditional role of providing security during the elections,” he added.

National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, who made the initial call for the poll shift, reportedly wrote to Jega informing him that no security could be provided for the elections if they were held in February.

Kerry had, during a visit on January 25, warned Nigeria against postponing the polls in order to ensure a peaceful electoral process.

monjola sotubo

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