Amid Extreme Weather Humanitarian Activists, Pro-Democratic Groups, Stormed Nigerian Consulate, New York City, Ahead of February 16 Presidential Election.

It has come to our notice; from international communities and Nigerians at large; Nigerians globally have continued to express concern about violence around these elections. We are here interacting the feedbacks during travels and services in Nigeria and the diaspora. Consequently, we fear there will be some violence around these elections, as has been the case with previous elections even though we do not anticipate large-scale nation-wide conflict, but rather localized destruction. Given these, we are already seeing increased tensions, hate speeches and polarization as the election approaches.

As a result of classified information, not limited to calls, surveys and inquiries, we assess that politicians are turning to narratives of identity politics in an attempt to improve their popularity, with potentially severe consequences for national unity. However, Nigeria’s political system and society have weathered such tensions before. Therefore, this cannot be taken for granted because Nigeria is very symbolic to the global communities and its neighbors, all hands must be on deck to facilitate a smooth transition.

The leader of the humanitarian activists and pro-democratic groups, Engr. Francis John reaffirmed the U.S. government three strategic plans to coordinate the poll. It’s imperative that Nigerians are aware of the privileges and assurances from superpowers, to assure Nigerians, no one is taken for a fool, in an attempt to manipulate voting and results: 

•    Support a free and fair electoral process, including technical assistance to Nigeria’s election institutions, civil society, and political parties as well as U.S. government monitoring of the election around the country;

•    Prevent and mitigate electoral violence, including conflict monitoring, peacebuilding programs, and peace messaging;

•    Support civic and political engagement, including support to Nigerian civil society election observation and parallel vote tabulation, social media campaigns to engage youth including through our Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI), “get out the vote” campaigns, voter education, and Nigerian efforts to counter disinformation.

He added they have embedded advance strategy to sustained high-level diplomatic engagement from Washington as well as robust and regular engagement by US-Nigerian Ambassador, Consul General, USAID Mission Director, and other officials based in Abuja and Lagos.

It will be recalled, early last year, President Trump welcomed President Buhari to the White House and conveyed his expectations for a credible election. After that, two Secretaries of State, USAID Administrator Green, Deputy Secretary of State Sullivan, and many others have either travelled to Nigeria or met with senior Nigerian officials in the United States to underscore its commitment to free, fair, transparent, and peaceful Nigerian elections in the last twelve months.

None of these proclamations, visits and consultations should be underestimated on the ground of ignorance because the consequences of the United States will be opposed to the ruling party and the entire government, as it has been the practice with violators of democracy in other countries.

The United States, United Kingdom, European Union and the rest of the world have also made it clear that it’s only the Nigerian people that can determine lasting solutions and a path forward toward peace and stability. However, 2019 remains a significant year for Nigerian democracy, as it has been 20 years since the country returned to democratic rule and this election’s youngest voters have never known a Nigeria without justice. The upcoming elections provide Nigerians with an opportunity to shape their country and solidify its place as a democratic leader in Africa.

Engr. John of HOPe Africa charged Nigerians in the diaspora to relate with their families, friends, community stakeholders at least twice a day, during this election; to keep their respective communities on guard while unfolding developments.  Such as respect the rule of law, vigilance at polling stations, take notes of all incidences, obtain names of polling agents, returning officers and law enforcement agents from their  identification cards and or asking for their identities and designations. Follow the whole exercise steadfastly with the following additional tips: type and save the information on your phone, text it to at least three friends, where possible, note the location, time, date and take clear pictures.

Engr. John used the opportunity to recapitulate the influx and infiltration of neighboring northern countries into Kano State as witnessed at the recent State rally; an early warning signs in rigging the poll. All are attempting to carry forward their self-motivated, ethnic and faith propaganda, beware; the whole world is watching any attempt to rig the election, some of the reasons why international agencies and countries have decided to use satellite to monitor the poll. Peace loving Nigerians are overwhelmed with this terrible decision.

A signatory to the coalition's letter to Nigerian Consulate and United Nations is Prof Isa Odidi, founder of Atiku Diaspora Organizations (AtikuDo), the Director Diaspora Directorate, PDP Presidential Council and the Chairman Committee on Diaspora PDP Presidential Council (a 34-member committee).

Detective Frank of the New York Police Department (NYPD) granted the permit for the peaceful democratic rally and present to ensure compliance. The 60 minutes rally picked the attention of passers-by and friends of Nigerians, including the consulate staff and those who were at the premises for consular services and other businesses.

Commentaries from a cross-section of participants were received from:  Oluwaseun Falope, Mr. Victor Odogo, Hon. Frank Onu, and Dr Lucky.  All critiques reflect uninterrupted free, fair transparent elections all levels. Nigerians in diaspora are seeking full participation, inclusiveness in running the country, demanding the government should work with technocrats, ignore ethnic-religious governance. 

Francis John

HOPe Africa