In the aftermath of Saturday’s legislative elections rerun in Rivers State in which lives were lost, including that of a Corps member, the United States Embassy in Nigeria has called on the two main political parties in the country to call their members to order.
While condemning the violence, including the “possible targeting of electoral officials”, the embassy in a Tuesday statement frowned on the disruption of the democratic process witnessed in some parts of the state.
“The U.S. Embassy is concerned about reports of violence, including the possible targeting of electoral officials and irregularities during re-run elections in Rivers state on March 19, 2016.
“We condemn the use of violence and disruptions of the democratic process. We call upon the leadership of Nigeria’s political parties to urge their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.
“We call on those dissatisfied to pursue a resolution of their grievances peacefully in accordance with the rule of law,” the statement read.