The Federal Government has warned against foreign interference into the
nation’s affairs, capable of creating apprehension, distrust among
citizens or undermining the transparency and acceptability of outcomes
of the nation’s electoral process.
Malam Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on
Media and Publicity, gave the warning in a statement in Abuja on
Saturday.
The presidential aide was apparently reacting to statements issued by
some foreign countries including the United Kingdom (UK), United States
of America (U.S.A.) and the European Union, over the suspension of
Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.
President Buhari also swore-in the acting Chief Justice of Nigeria
(CJN), Justice Ibrahim Tanko, to replace Onnoghen, pending final
determination of the cases against him.
However, Shehu stated that the federal government condemned “any
interference or perception management that promotes
apprehension,citizens distrust or undermines the transparency and
acceptability of the outcomes of our electoral process.
“Nigeria reserves the right to be insulated from suggestions and or
interference with respect to wholly internal affairs and commends
international laws,customs and norms that mandate and require nations
and the comity to respect this prerogative to all.
“Nigeria is confident of its electoral processes and her preparation for
the imminent elections and the federal government has supported the
independent electoral umpire in both its independence and resources
needed to accomplish our desire and insistence on free and fair
elections”.
According to him, the federal government welcomes the prevailing keen
interest and partnerships for successful elections and a peaceful
Nigeria.
He added that the government had ensured the independence of all organs,
institutions and arms of government to “perform their functions in a
manner that is transparent, and not lacking in integrity whether
institutionally or by persons within such institutions or organs.”
He pledged that the government would continue to do this.
He said: “Although the question of foreign interference, whether state
sponsored, promoted or otherwise has dominated recent elections and
outcomes globally, the federal government assures citizens and the
global community that it will fiercely and assiduously promote the will
and the right of Nigerians to choose and elect their leaders without
pressure or assistance from persons or entities that are not
constitutionally empowered to participate in the process.”
The presidential media aide enjoined the citizens to confidently
exercise their franchise in an orderly manner with the assurance of the
federal government to their security during and after the electoral
process.
He reiterated the readiness of the nation’s security forces to confront
any plan or attempt to interfere with or disrupt the process whether by
elements within or from outside the country.(NAN)
