Polls: Africa Stands With Nigeria – Johnson-Sirleaf

Former Liberia president and Head of the Economic Community of West African States Observation Mission to Nigeria, Mrs Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf, has said Africa was in solidarity with Nigerians as they go to the polls on Saturday to elect a president and members of the National Assembly.

Speaking at a press conference in Abuja. Johnson-Sirleaf said the mission was so far satisfied with the arrangements put in place by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to ensure the success of the election.

She therefore called on Nigerians and national leaders to continue to maintain peace and adhere to the rule of law.

“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,” she said.

“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,” the head of the ECOWAS observer mission added.