BY DANIEL IDONOR
President Goodluck Jonathan, Monday, maintained that while the Economic Community of West African States, ECOWAS, was committed to the a peaceful resolution of the political impasse in Cote d’Ivoire, the regional body would not shy away from legitimate use of force whenever necessary.

President Jonathan reaffirmed the ECOWAS’ position while speaking to the African Union envoy on Cote d’Ivoire, Prime Minister Raila Odinga of Kenya.

The President said: “We have not changed the position we took during our last summit,” adding that he would continue to consult with leaders of the sub-region on the issue.

The ECOWAS Chairman reiterated the need for all stakeholders to allow votes to count in all elections, stating that “the votes of citizens must count after they are cast or democracy will not take hold in the continent.”

Earlier, Mr. Raila Odinga had briefed President Jonathan on his efforts to find a solution to the impasse, including consultations with former President Olusegun Obasanjo.