Read full text of Mr. Obama’s Message to the Nigerian People 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.
*Hmmm this message does
not feel right....Does he know something we dont know?I am uncomfortable
when America gets involved in any country's affairs!
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