The United States has condemned the utterance credited to Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State in which he likened his political opponents to cockroaches that should be crushed.
The governor’s rhetoric appeared in a two-minute video clip, which was posted on NigerianEye yesterday
The US said it was troubled by the statement, which it said undermined the democratic process and is unacceptable in a democratic society.
It reiterated its call upon all Nigerians to refrain from advocating, fomenting, or condoning violence before, during, or after the 2015 elections.
A statement from the Information Office, US Embassy, Abuja on Thursday, noted that participants in the electoral process must demonstrate passion for their convictions and beliefs in a manner that shows respect for opposing differences.
It said, “As Nigeria looks ahead to the February 2015 general elections, the United States strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, inclusive, and non-violent electoral process.
“We are deeply troubled by Governor Ibrahim Shema of Katsina State’s recent statements calling for the killing of the “cockroaches of politics.” The rhetorical threat of violence undermines the democratic process and is utterly unacceptable in a democratic society.”
The US noted that the language that threatens or incites violence short-circuits the democratic process, adding that all Nigerians must be free to voice their opinions and participate in the electoral process without fear of physical retribution.
Political parties, elected leaders, and candidates for office, it said, have a special obligation to uphold these democratic precepts, stressing that the Nigerian Constitution itself states that it is the duty of every citizen to “respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of citizens to live in unity and harmony.”
The United States said it is committed to working with Nigeria to strengthen it’s democratic institutions in the years to come.
“A peaceful election in February 2015 will constitute a major step toward reaching that goal,” it added.
Can a leopard change its spots? Animals in Agbada and suits will slways behave like animals.
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