…Says Nigerian situation not same with Côte d’Ivoire’s

By Joseph Erunke

ABUJA—AGAINST the backdrop of some pockets of crises being witnessed across the country ahead of the forth coming general elections, the United Nations,UN,yesterday, warned that it would hold perpetrators of post-election violence accountable.

This was even as it dismissed fears that the security situation may get to the level witnessed in Côte D’Ivoire during its general elections.

The United Nations Under- Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Jeffrey and the Secretary-General’s High-Level Representative to Nigeria, Mohammed Ibn Chambas, gave the warning at a press conference in Abuja, after rounding off a two-day visit to the country.

“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,”Mr Jeffrey Feltman said.

* Scenes of destruction

Also speaking, Mr Chambas dismissed fears that Nigerian security situation preparatory to the elections was getting similar to that of Côte D’Ivoire and expressed optimism that the country would not go through such experience

The global body then “urged the political actors, particularly the candidates, to resolve any electoral disputes through existing legal and constitutional means.”

“I encourage the political, electoral and security actors to continue working together to create an environment conducive for the holding of violence-free and credible elections, and ensure that all eligible Nigerians can freely exercise their constitutional right to vote, including those displaced by violence in the North East,” Feltman stressed.

He commended President Goodluck Jonathan and General Buhari for their commitment to implementing the Abuja Accord and encouraged them to work with the National Peace Committee,NPC, political parties and civil society to ensure its implementation at state and federal levels.

It noted that INEC had “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.”

“We believe that that these efforts should help to build confidence in the electoral system among the Nigerian voters and pave the way for the holding of credible and inclusive elections,”he said.

Mr Feltman condemned the attacks being carried out by the Boko Haram in the North East just as he backed the military onslaught against the dreaded Islamist sect.

“On the situation in the north-east of Nigeria resulting from continuing brutal attacks by Boko Haram against civilian populations, I reiterated the Secretary-General’s message that no cause or grievance can justify such crimes.

“The Secretary-General has expressed support for Nigeria and other countries of the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) and Benin as they fight the insurgency and welcomed the positive steps taken by them, with the support of the African Union, towards operationalizing the Multinational Joint Task Force (MNJTF) to counter the threat posed by Boko Haram in the sub-region, in line with international human rights, humanitarian and refugee law,”he added.

“I recalled the Secretary-General’s message that, while security measures are essential, an exclusive reliance on a military approach would not suffice to counter the Boko Haram insurgency.

“Countering Boko Haram effectively and permanently should be based on a multi-dimensional approach that addresses human rights concerns and promotes good governance and economic and social development,”he said.