Patricia Scotland, the Commonwealth Secretary-General, has warned Nigerians against yielding to those bent on leading the country into violence during the elections.
Scotland was speaking when she led a delegation to Geoffrey Onyeama, the minister of foreign affairs, in Abuja, late Wednesday.
She said Nigeria has inspired the rest of the world with its fortitude and resolve to remain on the path of peace.
She expressed confidence in the readiness of the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, to conduct Saturdays and explained that the Commonwealth delegation is in the country to witness and participate in the celebration of what Nigeria has achieved through the peace commission led by Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“Today, we come to take part in the celebration of what Nigeria has achieved through the Peace Committee led by former President Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.
“I applaud everything that President Buhari has tried to do to make sure the people of Nigeria vote and have the benefit of fair, free, and transparent elections.
“I have watched what has been done by the Independent National Electoral Commission which has worked hard to make sure that the independence of the commission is upheld for the benefit of the people.
“I am conscious that there are more than 200 million Nigerians, all of whom are thirsty for fair elections, and peaceful elections.
“We are now only moments away, and I am very conscious that there are those who might want to mislead us, try to make us believe that violence is the way forward.
“But Nigerians have always resisted and I hope and pray that they will resist it again now.
“We know that more than 93 million Nigerians have registered to vote, more than 70 million of those Nigerians are under the age of 35, and about 46 percent of those who have registered are women.
“Their hopes and aspirations are there,” Scotland said.
She also encouraged Nigerians to make a pledge the same kind the candidates and leaders of the political parties have made, towards ensuring successful elections.
According to her, it is the responsibility of all citizens to ensure that the elections are successful and peaceful.
“Nigeria is the biggest country in Africa. So, what Nigeria does in terms of aspiration, and inspiration, feeds the whole of the continent.
“It feeds the rest of the Commonwealth as well.
“We are 2.5 billion people in our Commonwealth and we are all sitting, ready to applaud, and to celebrate the next peaceful, tranquil transition of power from the incumbent president to another,” she added.
Geoffrey Onyeama, the minister of foreign affairs, told the visiting delegation Nigeria appreciates the relationship between it and the Commonwealth, adding that the presence of the delegation will inspire the government to ensure Buhari’s vision for the smooth transition of political power is achieved.
