We round up the names of Nigerians who incited election violence
The British High Commission said it was gathering relevant information on Nigerians who engaged in anti-democratic actions during the elections.
The commission, which revealed that members of its observation team had witnessed vote buying, voter intimidation, destruction of election materials and harassment of journalists during the gubernatorial elections, s is said to be concerned about the use of inflammatory ethno-religious language by some political figures.
The statement read;
“We have observed improvements around election logistics by INEC during gubernatorial elections, particularly compared to presidential elections.
“More voting units opened on time, there was more evidence of BVAS and IREV functioning and results uploaded in real time from voting units and collection centers. These are positive markers on which to build for future elections.
“However, there were notable points of concern. Members of our observation mission personally observed the violence and voter suppression in many polling places.
“We have witnessed and received credible reports from other observer missions and civil society organizations, of vote buying and voter intimidation, the destruction and misappropriation of election materials and the general disruption of the process in many states including Lagos, Enugu and Rivers.
“In addition, we observed incidents of harassment of journalists. Freedom of expression and a free press are crucial to a healthy democracy, and journalists must be able to go about their business without being threatened.
“The UK is concerned about the use of inflammatory ethno-religious language by some public and political figures.
“We call on all leaders not only to distance themselves from this kind of language, but to prevent those who speak on their behalf from doing so.
“It is a testament to their commitment to democracy that many Nigerians were ready to vote despite intimidation and hostility.
“UK Minister of State for Development and Africa, MP Andrew Mitchell, said on February 21 that the UK was ready to take action against those who engage in or incite election violence and to other undemocratic behaviour, and that the action could be to prevent people from obtaining UK visas or imposing sanctions under our human rights sanctions regime.
“We can confirm that we are gathering relevant information, with a view to taking action against certain individuals.”
