We' re collating names of Nigerians who incited electoral violence: UK

 

According to the British high commission, it is gathering pertinent data on Nigerians who participated in anti-democratic activities during the elections. 

The commission expressed concern over the use of incendiary ethno-religious language by some political figures after disclosing that members of its observation team witnessed vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of election materials, and harassment of journalists during the governorship elections.

The declaration said; 

In especially when compared to the Presidential elections, we saw improvements in INEC's handling of election logistics during the gubernatorial elections.

"More polling places opened on schedule, BVAS and IREV were more clearly in use, and results from polling places and collation centers were being uploaded in real time. These are encouraging signs that can be built upon for upcoming elections.

However, there were some noteworthy causes for caution. Members of our observation team saw violence and voter suppression firsthand in a number of polling places.

"We observed vote buying and voter intimidation, the damage and theft of election materials, and the general disruption of the process in multiple states including Lagos, Enugu, and Rivers. We also got reliable accounts of these incidents from other observer missions and civil society organizations.

"We also saw instances of journalists being harassed. A strong democracy depends on press freedom and free expression, and journalists must be able to conduct their jobs without fear.

The UK is concerned about some public and political figures using incendiary ethno-religious discourse.

"We urge all leaders to avoid using rhetoric like this themselves and to stop those who speak on their behalf from doing the same.

Many Nigerians' readiness to cast ballots in the face of intimidation and hostility is a monument to their dedication to democracy.

"The UK is prepared to take action against people who engage in or incite election violence and other anti-democratic behaviors, according to Andrew Mitchell, MP, the country's minister of state for development and Africa, who made the statement on February 21.