President Muhammadu Buhari has assured Nigerians and foreign observers taking part in Saturday’s election that the country’s security agencies are set for the polls.
The President said this in an early morning broadcast on Friday on the elections.
Buhari, who encouraged Nigerians not to be discouraged by the initial postponement of the election by the Independent National Electoral Commission, said: “Do not be afraid of rumours of violence and unrest. Our security agencies have worked diligently to ensure that adequate security measures are in place.
“You will be able to vote in an atmosphere of openness and peace, devoid of fear from threat or intimidation.
“International and domestic monitors and observers are assured of their safety and freedom of movement needed to perform their important functions.”
The President said based on the daily briefings by INEC since the postponement of the elections, he was certain the country was set for peaceful polls.
He said: “According to the daily INEC public briefings given this week, the Electoral Commission says it is ready and fully prepared to conduct the election in a free, fair and transparent manner.
“I believe INEC realises the profound and weighty duty that rests upon it.
“We must cast aside doubt and have faith that INEC will rise to the occasion. We must believe and encourage INEC to fulfill and honour this responsibility it owes to our country.
“As your President, I hereby ask all Nigerians with voting cards to participate in defining the future of our nation by exercising your democratic rights tomorrow. I urge you to go out and vote.
“I say this because elections are the cornerstone of representative governance. And voting constitutes the highest and best expression of the sovereign will of the people to choose the government that best represents them.
“It is only upon the freely expressed will of the people that government truly dedicated to the welfare, rights and interests of the people can be founded.
“Do not allow anyone to discourage you from the exercise of your rights as citizens and voters tomorrow.
“To vote means that you believe in Nigeria and the excellent things the future holds for this nation and its people.
“No matter our political leanings, we all believe in Nigeria, in the noble principles for which it stands and in the values we strive for our beloved nation to uphold.
“All who are able, must vote so that we may better perfect this democracy and continue to build the greater nation we seek.”
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