FEDERAL GOVERNMENT DISOWNS GOVERNOR EL-RUFAI OVER THREAT ON FOREIGN ELECTION OBSERVERS IN NIGERIA
“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,” Buhari emphasised.
Penpushing further reports that, the Federal Government did not mention name of El-Rufai , but it is on record that, the Governor was credited with the threat statement during an interview in the Nigerian Television Station(NTA).
He declared during the interview, “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,”
Penpushing also recalled that, the European Union (UN) observers reacted to the statement with explanation that they were in the country to observe the elections at the request of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
The Presidency had also earlier defended El-Rufai , saying it was satisfied with his explanation, and on Buhari’s Thursday broadcast appealed to Nigerians, especially the youth, not to take to violence during the elections.
His words, “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’.
