Rivers Re-Run: In A Joint Statement, US, UK, EU, France Sue For Peaceful Election

The United Kingdom, United States, France, and European Union, in a joint statement, released on Friday, called on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters to allow for peaceful election in Rivers state on Saturday.

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

They urged party leadership and their supporters not to use or incite violence stressing that the leaders of all parties are accountable for the actions of their members and also encouraged INEC and the security forces to perform their duties responsibly and impartially.

They also urge all parties to respect the electoral process and raise any grievances peacefully and through official channels.

“We note with concern the rising tension in Rivers state ahead of elections on 10 December,” the statement read.

“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.”

“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.