The United States, United Kingdom, France and European Union (EU) have expressed concern over rising tension in Rivers State ahead of the rerun legislative elections slated for December 10.
In a joint statement by Paul Arkwright, British High Commissioner to Nigeria; Stuart Symington, United States Ambassador to Nigeria; Denys Guaer, French Ambassador to Nigeria and Michel Arrion, EU Head of Delegation to Nigeria, they called on the leadership of all political parties and their supporters in the state to allow elections to hold peacefully.
The two leading political parties in the state: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) have been embroiled in hate speeches, a development experts say may spell doom for the state.
The envoys emphasised on the need for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and security agencies to perform their duties responsibly and impartially.
“We urge all parties to respect the electoral process and raise any grievances peacefully and through official channels.
“We stress that the leaders of all parties are accountable for the actions of their members and we encourage them to urge their supporters not to use or incite violence,” the statement read in part.
