2019 general elections will be free, fair and peaceful says Buhari
Tue Jul 17, 2018 10:28:am National
4.2K By Obiaks Blog
President Muhammadu Buhari, in an address at the 20th anniversary ofInternational Criminal Court, has reinstated his administration's commitment to operating by the rule of law by ensuring that the 2019 general elections are free, fair and peaceful.
Buhari, who is in Netherlands for Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the ICC, made the promise and added that everything was being done to make sure the country avoid a repeat of the violence that characterised the 2011 elections.
He said, "Let me intimate you that Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019.
"Contrary to the tragic incidents that characterised the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal Court, I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents.
"We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019."
Buhari recalled and praised the establishment of the ICC, noting that it has given hope for justice to many by demanding strict adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law, citing the increasing need for it with the alarming proliferation of the most serious crimes around the world.
He added, "A strong and effective ICC has the potential to send a powerful message about the international community's commitment to accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and perpetrators.
"Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community's commitment to the rule of law.
‘‘A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability.
"These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.
"These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart."
Buhari, who is in Netherlands for Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the ICC, made the promise and added that everything was being done to make sure the country avoid a repeat of the violence that characterised the 2011 elections.
He said, "Let me intimate you that Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019.
"Contrary to the tragic incidents that characterised the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal Court, I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents.
"We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witnesses the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019."
Buhari recalled and praised the establishment of the ICC, noting that it has given hope for justice to many by demanding strict adherence to the rules of international humanitarian law, citing the increasing need for it with the alarming proliferation of the most serious crimes around the world.
He added, "A strong and effective ICC has the potential to send a powerful message about the international community's commitment to accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and perpetrators.
"Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community's commitment to the rule of law.
‘‘A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability.
"These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.
"These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart."
The President also took the opportunity to congratulate the recently elected president of the ICC, Chile Eboe-Osuji while he thanked the judges of the court for electing a Nigerian.
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