US, UK, France, EU express worry over alleged hate speeches

The Ambassadors of the United States, United Kingdom, France and European Union on Friday, December 9, 2016, jointly issued a statement about the upcoming Rivers rerun election.

The statement was signed by the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright; United States Ambassador to Nigeria, W. Stuart Symington; French Ambassador to Nigeria, Denys Guaer, and the EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria, Michel Arrion.

The envoys said they are concerned about the heat brewing ahead of the lection slated to hold on Saturday, December 10, 2016.

They also called on all political parties contesting in the Rivers rerun election to give peace a chance.

According to Premium Times, the statement said “We note with concern the rising tension in Rivers State ahead of elections on 10 December. We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters in Rivers state to allow elections to go ahead peacefully.

“We encourage INEC and the security forces to perform their duties responsibly and impartially. We urge all parties to respect the electoral process and raise any grievances peacefully and through official channels.

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“We stress that the leaders of all parties are accountable for the actions of their members and we encourage them to urge their supporters not to use or incite violence.”

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Army has directed the deployment of troops to flash points in Rivers state ahead of the December 10, 2016 rerun election.