By Menkiti Onyebuchi Bernie, Features Editor
The United States Government has affirmed the just concluded Nigeria Presidential election and to that effect congratulated the president elect, the incumbent Muhammadu Buhari and Nigerians.
The affirmation was contained in the press release issued on March 1, 2019, by the US secretary of State Michael .R. Pompeo, titled ‘Nigerian Election Results’.
The press release read in part as follows; ‘the United States congratulates the people of Nigeria on a successful presidential election, and President Muhammadu Buhari on his re-election.’
In condemning the pockets of violence that characterized some areas during the election, the United States stated thus; ‘..we commend all those Nigerians who participated peacefully in the election and condemn those whose acts of violence harmed Nigerians and the electoral process.
And to add voice to the reports of local and international observers that the election was fairly credible, the press release stated further; ‘..note the assessments of international and domestic observer missions affirming the overall credibility of the election, despite localized violence and irregularities.’
In it’s bid to congratulate those who couldn’t win at the polls, and the need to ensure peaceful conduct of next week’s election, the press release said; ‘..we also congratulate all the other candidates for their peaceful participation in the electoral process. We call on all Nigerians to ensure the success of state elections next week.’
It the spirit of peace building and close diplomatic ties the US through the press release stated, ‘…going forward, the United States remains committed to working together with Nigeria to achieve greater peace and prosperity for both our nations.’
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