News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

justin-welby-serious-main_article_image.jpg
REX/Paul Grover
World News

Justin Welby raises concerns over Nigerian election

Speaking in the House of Lords, in a question to the Foreign Office, he wanted to know: "What assessment they have made of (1) the prospects for a free and fair presidential election in Nigeria in 2015, and (2) progress (has been) made by the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission towards minimising the possibility of electoral fraud."

His comments come after the election was delayed due to the lack of stability in the country.

In recent months, extremist group Boko Haram has carried out attacks on several villages - many of them Christian, with churches targeted.

Baroness Anelay of St Johns responded on behalf of the government. She said: "The British Government is closely following developments ahead of Nigeria's presidential and gubernatorial elections on 28th March and 11th April respectively. This vote will set Nigeria's course for the next five years and beyond and as Africa's largest democracy its impact will be felt well beyond its borders. It is vital the elections go ahead without any further delay on 28th March.

"As the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, my right hon. Friend the Member for Runnymede and Weybridge (Mr Hammond), said on 8th February, the Nigerian people have the right to credible, peaceful and transparent elections. The UK welcomes efforts undertaken to date to this end, including the 14th January 'Abuja Accord' in which political leaders committed to preventing violence before, during and after the elections.

"We encourage all parties to respect the result of the vote and to pursue any grievances through the proper channels. We continue to support Nigeria's Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to deliver the elections. Over 80% of Permanent Voter Cards have now been collected and field tests of the card readers were broadly successful. This is testament to the positive advances that INEC have made, under the leadership of Professor Jega, to enable the successful delivery of the elections."

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate