Jonathan Vows To Ensure Free And Fair Elections In February

President Goodluck Jonathan has expressed his
administration’s commitment to a free and fair election,
vowing not to tolerate violence of any form.
“Decisive action will be taken against any individuals or
groups who attempt to disrupt the public peace before,
during or after the 2015 elections,” the president said
on a New Year message yesterday.
“The elections are very important for us as a country.
Their successful conclusion will further strengthen our
democratic institutions and place our beloved country
even more firmly in the comity of truly democratic
nations.
“Given the challenges that have characterized some
previous electoral contests in our country, the eyes of
the world will certainly be on the conduct and outcome
of our fifth post-military rule general elections.
“I reassure all Nigerians and the international
community of our firm commitment to free, fair and
credible elections. My commitment to free elections and
one man, one vote remains unwavering.
“Our administration has worked hard in previous
elections to prepare all key stakeholders, including the
Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC),
security agencies and the electorate optimally, to
ensure a progressively improved electoral process in
the country under my watch. We will continue to do so
for the coming elections.
To ensure the smooth running of its conduct of the
February elections, Jonathan said the government will
adequately fund INEC, while ensuring its continued
independence.
“We will continue to provide adequate funding to INEC
and maintain the commission’s independence and
isolate it from any form of interference or meddling in
its day-to-day affairs. This shall continue to guarantee
its impartiality and ability to conduct more credible and
acceptable elections.
“National security agencies will also be given all
necessary support to enhance their ability to ensure
that the elections are peaceful and violence-free.
“I am optimistic that with the cooperation of all law-
abiding citizens of the country, our commitment to have
a peaceful and violence-free election will be actualised.
He also urged politicians in the country to discourage
divisions, violence and hate.
“I will like to say this, once again, to my fellow
politicians and political leaders. None of our political
ambitions is worth the blood of any of our countrymen,
women and children.
“The improvement of their lives and living conditions
ought to be our primary motive and the driving force of
our quest for political power and leadership positions.
“Let us not promote sectionalism, disunity, intolerance,
hate, falsehood or the malicious abuse of political
opponents.
“Whatever we feel or seek, we must have a nation and
a people before we can dream of political ambitions.
Let us put the nation and the people first.
“Let us all conduct our electoral campaigns with the
highest possible decorum and civility towards political
opponents. Let us give INEC the fullest possible support
and cooperation it requires to conduct credible and
violence-free elections in 2015.
Electoral violence
“After the 2011 general elections, some unpatriotic
elements embarked on an orgy of violence, resulting in
the destruction of lives and property. That will not be
allowed to happen this time around.
“This government will act decisively against anyone
who disrupts the public peace, before, during or after
the 2015 general elections.
“All Nigerians, of voting age, are free to vote based on
their convictions. It is our duty to defend and protect
that basic right, and let no one be in doubt, we will,” the
president said.
He however promised that the elections will not distract
him from his duties.
Jonathan wished Nigerians a happy and prosperous
2015, urging them to enter the new year with renewed
hope, patriotism and zeal to serve their fatherland.