Buhari dissociates Nigerian govt from El-Rufai’s statement on foreign intervention

* Assures observers of safety, security

President Muhammadu Buhari has disassociated the federal
government from the comment made by the Governor of Kaduna State,
Nasir El-Rufai that Nigerian forces will kill foreign soldiers who
intervene militarily in the country’s election matters.

Mr Buhari, in a live broadcast to the nation on Thursday
evening, assured members of the diplomatic community and foreign
election observers of their safety and protection.

“I want to assure all Nigerians, the diplomatic community and
all foreign election observers of their safety and full
protection.

“Any comments or threats of intimidation from any source do not
represent the position of the Federal Government of Nigeria,” the
president said.

Although the president did not mention Mr El-Rufai by name, the
Kaduna governor’s statement had been criticised by many Nigerians
and the opposition.

“Those that are calling for anyone to come and intervene in
Nigeria, we are waiting for the person that would come and
intervene, they would go back in body bags,” Mr El-Rufai had
said.

The governor’s explanation that his call was not in any way a
call for violence did not deter critics from condemning it.
European Union observers reacted to the statement by saying they
were in the country to observe the elections at the request of the
electoral commission, INEC.

The February 16 presidential election is expected to be hotly
contested, and there are fears of violence and election fraud, with
the opposition repeatedly accusing the ruling party of plotting to
rig the polls.

On Wednesday, the national chairman of the ruling party, Adams
Oshiomhole, also accused the INEC of working for the main
opposition party, PDP.

Mr Buhari has repeatedly committed to a free and fair poll and
the presidency has warned against any attempt by other nations to
meddle in the country’s internal affairs.

In his Thursday broadcast to the nation, the president once
again assured Nigerians that the government would ensure the
elections “take place in a secured and peaceful atmosphere”.

“It was indeed such free, fair and peaceful elections that made
it possible for our government to emerge, despite the fact that we
were contesting against a long-standing incumbent party.

“ And as your president and a fellow Nigerian, I ask that you
come out and queue to fulfil this important obligation you have to
yourselves and your fellow citizens – and to our common future,” Mr
Buhari said.

The president appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, not
to take to violence during the elections.

“I urge you all as good Nigerians to take up personal interest
in promoting and maintaining peace in your respective neighbourhood
during the elections.

“This is not a time to allow personal, religious, sectional or
party interest to drive us to desperation,” he said.