The groups which hold placards with inscription, “No to hate speech,” “Yes to credible elections,” “Let us vote not fight,” “I stand for better Nigeria,” presented a letter at the gate of the US embassy for onward transmission to the Ambassador.
“As citizens and members of the civil society, we are shocked and worried over the overheating of the polity due to unguarded statements and actions by governor Nasir el-Rufai of Kaduna state, more so when such statements are targeted at international election observers.”
“Clearly, a group of people led by the governor are bent at creating violence and insecurity in the elections which is just eight days away.
To this end, we formally bring to your notice the unguarded statements of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai who has issued death threats to foreign election observers saying should they interfere in any way, they would return to their respective countries in ‘body bags’.
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His comments is totally condemnable,” the group said in the letter signed by Comrade Bako Abdul Usman and Comrade Nasiru Jagaba, President, Campaign for Democracy and President Network of Civil Society for Credible Elections respectively, the CSOs said they are worried about the implication of his remark.
“Governor Nasir el-Rufai has always carried out his threats and as citizens we assure you that the global community that means well for Nigeria and democracy must take seriously whatever has been said by the governor.
He has declared to everyone not comfortable with how he formulates, plans and implements policies of governance under his leadership to go to hell.
“Aside calling political opponents ants and termites to be crushed or killed, Nasir el-Rufai had prior to the primary elections asked citizens to shave the heads and beards of Senators of the Federal Republic of Nigeria whenever they come to town.
During the local government elections in Kaduna, the members of the public saw how thugs were employed to intimidate and scare voters and collation officers away in many areas especially within Kaduna metropolis.
The said elections are yet to be concluded in some of the local government areas. The reign of thuggery brought about several clashes and cases of killings by a company of young notorious thugs,” the group said.
