US cautions political actors against hate speech

The United States of America (USA) has cautioned political actors in Nigeria against derogatory remarks, vote buying and hate speech before and during the 2019 general elections.

The US also said it would monitor the campaigns closely, adding that it was particularly concerned about Nigeria having free, fair and transparent elections with greater participation of women, youths and people living with disabilities.

A statement yesterday from the Information Office, Public Affairs Section of the American Embassy in Abuja, the US Government said it was disturbed by irregularities and violence during the recently conducted party primaries in the country and noted with particular concern that several women candidates were disenfranchised.

The US also encouraged adequate funding of INEC, the need to support institutions and the implementation of the improved Electoral Act as soon as possible.

“We wish to draw particular attention to the fundamental role of the security agencies in providing a safe and secure environment for the Nigerian people to exercise their democratic rights.

“It is vital that security agencies act, and are seen to act, in an impartial manner that maintains the high standards of professional conduct.

“We strongly support the principle of media freedom and the vital role the independent media play in ensuring informed public debate. We also stress the importance of balanced, neutral and nondefamatory coverage,” the US said in the statement.

Signatories to the statement are the European Union (EU) Delegation to Nigeria), France, Germany, the United Kingdom (UK), the US, Australia, Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Republic of Korea, Romania, Slovakia, Spain and Sweden.