Germany, France Back Due Process In Resolving Nigeria Electoral Disputes

Posted by African Examiner Latest Headlines, News Thursday, April 16th, 2015

By Eric Ojo, Abuja – The government and people of Germany and France have expressed their support for the call on Nigerian politicians willing to seek redress over electoral matters to follow due process.

The out-going President, Goodluck Jonathan and the President-elect General Muhammadu Buhari have both lent their voices to the call, urging their party candidates and followers to follow due process in disputes over the election results.

The German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier who disclosed the position of the Republic of Germany in a statement on the 2015 general elections in Nigeria, said it is imperative for all political gladiators and their supporters to be mindful of the current challenges facing the country, particularly in terms maintaining peace and security.

“In view of the great challenges faced by Nigeria, all those involved must now focus on ensuring there is an orderly transition of power. By conceding defeat at an early stage, Jonathan has taken an important step in safeguarding the handover of power”, Steinmeier said.

He also noted that with the outcome of the elections, Nigerians have sent a signal that could have an impact on the region and on Africa as a whole, adding that for the first time in Nigeria’s history, the electorate has voted against the incumbent President and brought about a change of government democratically.

“I congratulate Muhammadu Buhari on his election. The Nigerian electorate has given him a clear mandate, which must now be fulfilled”, he further admonished.

Also in a separate statement on the elections in Nigeria, signed by the Foreign Minister of France, Mr. Laurent Fabius, applauded the spirit of responsibility demonstrated by the political leaders in Nigeria, especially the action of President Goodluck Jonathan.

“This is a victory for the president, but it’s also a victory for the people of Nigeria who affirmed their attachment to democracy and their confidence in the future, by refusing to allow themselves to be intimidated by terrorists”, Fabius said.

He also observed that Nigeria has used the election to demonstrate to the world that it is a major democracy, adding that it is a source of pride for the generality of Nigerians and a source of satisfaction to Nigeria’s partners.

The French Foreign Minister also commended The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) acknowledging that the commission has done an excellent job.

“I warmly congratulate President Buhari on his election. I hope that President Buhari’s term of office will provide an opportunity to further strengthen the friendly relations between our two countries and to put an end to Boko Haram’s terrorist activities.

“We also hope that Nigeria will be able to continue its remarkable economic growth, in the interest of the continent’s prosperity”, he stressed.