Read the message below...
“Hello. Today, I want to speak directly to you—the people of Nigeria.
Nigeria is a great nation and you can be proud of the progress you’ve
made. Together, you won your independence, emerged from military rule,
and strengthened democratic institutions. You’ve strived to overcome
division and to turn Nigeria’s diversity into a source of strength.
You’ve worked hard to improve the lives of your families and to build
the largest economy in Africa.
Now you have a historic opportunity to help write the next chapter of
Nigeria’s progress—by voting in the upcoming elections. For elections
to be credible, they must be free, fair and peaceful. All Nigerians
must be able to cast their votes without intimidation or fear.
So I call on all leaders and candidates to make it clear to their
supporters that violence has no place in democratic elections—and that
they will not incite, support or engage in any kind of violence—before,
during, or after the votes are counted. I call on all Nigerians to
peacefully express your views and to reject the voices of those who call
for violence. And when elections are free and fair, it is the
responsibility of all citizens to help keep the peace, no matter who
wins.
Successful elections and democratic progress will help Nigeria meet
the urgent challenges you face today. Boko Haram—a brutal terrorist
group that kills innocent men, women and children—must be stopped.
Hundreds of kidnapped children deserve to be returned to their
families. Nigerians who have been forced to flee deserve to return to
their homes. Boko Haram wants to destroy Nigeria and all that you have
worked to build. By casting your ballot, you can help secure your
nation’s progress.
I’m told that there is a saying in your country: “to keep Nigeria one
is a task that must be done”. Today, I urge all Nigerians—from all
religions, all ethnic groups, and all regions—to come together and keep
Nigeria one. And in this task of advancing the security, prosperity,
and human rights of all Nigerians, you will continue to have a friend
and partner in the United States of America.
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