UK Urges Nigeria to Ensure Elections Hold

Sources : thisdaylive.com

British Prime Minister, David Cameron

Damilola Oyedele in Abuja

British Prime Minister, David Cameron has called on President Goodluck Jonathan to ensure the general elections proceed on Saturday as planned, warning that failure to ensure this would risk national security and stability.

This is as Nigeria's former Consul General to the United States, Ambassador Joe Keshi took a swipe at the US and other nations which have taken it upon themselves to issue warnings over Nigeria's general elections.

Cameron, in a letter to President Jonathan, also warned that Nigeria's reputation on the international stage could be negatively affected if the elections are not held.

Details of his letter to President Jonathan were made available in a statement issued by the British High Commission in Abuja Thursday.

“As Africa’s biggest democracy, successful elections in Nigeria are important not only for Nigeria’s future, but as a signal to the rest of Africa.  Delivering a credible process will be a lasting credit to you as President and to Nigeria as a nation," the letter read.

“I am encouraged by INEC’s advances in recent weeks.  The collection of over 80 per cent of Permanent Voter Cards and the broadly successful field tests of the card readers have improved their technical preparation for the election. Your support for Professor Jega’s continuing tenure and guidance of the process remains an important part of delivering successful elections,” it read further.
With hundreds of lives lost after the last election, the eyes of the international community will be focused on Nigeria, Cameron said.