UN Threatens To Sanction Politicians, Praises INEC

The United Nations has
warned that it would prosecute any Nigerian politician who promotes violence before, during and after the nation’s forthcoming elections.
The UN’s Under Secretary for Political Affairs, Jeffrey Feltman, gave the warning in Abuja, on Wednesday after a two-day official visit to Nigeria.
Feltman, who was in company of the UN’s Secretary General’s High Level Representative to Nigeria, Mohammed Ibn Chambas urged major political actors to remain committed to the Abuja Peace Accord.
He said after meeting with key stakeholders in the nation’s electoral process, he was convinced that many of them appreciated the need for a violence-free polls and credible elections and pledged to work towards it.
Feltman said, “I encourage the political, electoral and security actors to continue working together to create an environment conducive for a violence-free and credible elections, and ensure that all Nigerians can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, including those displaced by violence in the Northeast.
“I urge political actors, particularly the candidates, to resolve any electoral dispute through existing legal and constitutional means.
“Especially given the important role Nigeria plays in the region and globally, the international community is closely watching the elections in Nigeria and that any persons responsible for violence will be held accountable.”
The global body also praised the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for its preparations so far.
“In the view of the UN, INEC has made noteworthy progress in the preparations for the elections, including the distribution of Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs) and the testing of card readers, despite the tight schedule and logistical challenges.”