Rerun elections: UK, US, France, EU urge political parties to allow peaceful elections

The Heads of United Kingdom (UK), United States of America (USA), France and the European Union (EU) in Nigeria have urged the political parties in Rivers to allow the legislative rerun elections to hold peacefully.

The appeal was mde in a joint statement obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), signed by Mr Joe Abuku, the Press and Public Affairs Officer, British High Commission in Port Harcourt.

The elections, being conducted in the three senatorial districts, eight federal constituencies for the representatives seats and 10 state constituencies for state assembly seats, are holding on Saturday.

NAN reports that the joint statement was endorsed by Mr Paul T. Arkwright, British High Commissioner, W. Stuart Symington, United States Ambassador, Denys Guaer, French Ambassador and Michel Arrion, EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria.

According to the statement, ”we note with concern the rising tension in Rivers State ahead of elections on 10 December.

”We call on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters in Rivers state to allow elections to go ahead peacefully.

”We encourage INEC and the security forces to perform their duties responsibly and impartially.

”We urge all parties to respect the electoral process and raise any grievances peacefully and through official channels”.

The heads of mission stressed that the leaders of all the parties were accountable for the actions of their members.

They, however, encouraged them to restrain their supporters from using or inciting violence during the elections.