Maintain Peace FG Tells Nigerians

The National Information Centre has called on Nigerians to maintain the peace and cooperate with the security agencies now that the Presidential and National Assembly elections are over.
The information is contained in a statement issued by the Coordinator of the centre, Mr Mike Omeri, in Abuja yesterday.
Omeri said the successful conclusion of Saturday’s election would go a long way to prove to the world that the country “is stable where democracy works’’.
He described the high voter turnout, dedication and patience exhibited by voters as a triumph of the nation’s democracy.
Omeri said the high voter turnout, especially in areas previously under Boko Haram control like Maiduguri, was a clear testimony of the Nigerian military’s successes in securing the country.
“The strikingly long lines of voters who turned out to cast their ballots in Maiduguri is a testament to the atmosphere of security and sense of safety that this government has delivered to the people.
“Our military and security agencies’ commitment and brave service has made this election possible.
“Giving our soldiers more time to make the necessary headway against Boko Haram has ensured that Nigerians in the conflict areas participate in the election.’’
Meanwhile, residents of Abuja and Nigerians in general are waiting anxiously for the release of the results of the Presidential and National Assembly elections conducted on Saturday in most parts of the country.
However, INEC endorsed the continuation of voting on Sunday in some states where the elections could not hold due to logistics challenges.
Worshippers in various churches in Abuja, discussed in smalls groups the possible outcome of the elections adjudged to have been generally peaceful and well organised.
They were particularly happy that the uncertainty and tension that pervaded the air over the elections was wearing off.
Some residents who spoke with our correspondent, expressed satisfaction with the improved electoral process that attended the conduct of the election, the fifth in Nigeria’s democratic dispensation since 1999.
They expressed the hope that only contestants who have the interest of the nation and its people at heart would eventually be declared winners.
The Hakimi of Jikwoyi, Hakimi Nocholas Machi, confirmed that this election was the most orderly and peaceful he had witnessed in recent times.
“I believe that the election will be credible given the peaceful atmosphere that we witnessed on Saturday.
“Earlier, I had urged my people to be peaceful as election is not about violence, but it’s about choosing a good leader that can take us to  greater heights.”
In his comment, an Abuja resident, Mr Ola Olumide,  also expressed joy over the conduct of the elections, which he described as peaceful and orderly.
“As we await the election results, I pray that only those who genuinely want to take this nation to the next level should emerge winners.
“I must say that in my unit at Jikwoyi, we had a very calm atmosphere with voters waiting patiently for voting materials to arrive.
“This shows that Nigerians are actually more politically conscious; they want to choose their leaders; they want to take part in moving their country forward and it is quite interesting,” Olumide said.