Kofi Anan Warns Politicians Over Inciting Comments

Former UN Chief, Mr. Kofi Anan

Former secretary general of the United Nations, Mr. Kofi Anan has cautioned politicians over inciting statements capable of dividing the country and causing violence before and after next month’s general election.

Leadership reports Anan, currently the chairman of the Global Commission on Elections, Democracy and Security said, while delivering a keynote address during Nigeria Civil Society Situation Room roundtable on the “role of civil society in ensuring electoral integrity” organized by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC) that politicians should watch their utterances in order not to make inciting statements.

Also speaking at the round table, the president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Abdulwaheed Omar described corruption as a major threat to election in Nigeria.

He noted that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is a culprit as far as corruption is concerned, adding that some of its officers do compromise.

He further stated that the Judiciary among others also contribute to the level corruption during the electoral process.

In his keynote address, Anan noted that every election since 1999 has been fraught, and marred by violence.

He said, “Many people I have spoken to worry that violence might once again disfigure and undermine the electoral process. So I entreat all Nigerians, and especially the political actors, not to put the amazing progress Nigeria has made in jeopardy.

“Nigeria has the largest population of any country on the continent and has the biggest economy. It plays a major role on the international stage, especially at this time, when it holds a seat at the Security Council. Nigeria is one of the largest contributors of UN peacekeepers.”