Jonathan ‘will not interfere with INEC’s operations’

President Goodluck Jonathan is committed to the conduct of free, fair and credible elections and will not interfere with the operations and activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission, Nurudeen Mohammed, minister of state for foreign affairs and supervising minister of information, said on Wednesday.

Mohammed, who was briefing journalists at a press conference in Abuja, lamented that Boko Haram was a source of negative attention to Nigeria in 2014, while the abduction of the Chibok schoolgirls was one incident that put the country in a negative light.

However, he stated that the government had taken some measures to defeat insurgency, adding that it was also committed to securing the release of the Chibok schoolgirls.

While praising the military for its efforts in combating insurgency in the northeast, Mohammed said: “We must salute the gallantry of members of the Nigerian armed forces and personnel of security and intelligence agencies.

“They are making sacrifices so the rest of us may be safe, and government is not relenting in ensuring that the kidnapped Chibok schoolgirls are released and reunited with their families.”

Speaking on the 2015 general election, he said the government remained committed to conducting free, credible and fair elections.

“In about six weeks from now, voting will begin in our country’s general elections,” he said.

“There are great expectations about the elections. President Goodluck Jonathan has reaffirmed his commitment to conduct free, fair and credible elections.

“He has not, and will not interfere with the operations and activities of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); rather the president is determined to clear all obstacles that might hinder the smooth operations of INEC.”

Mohammed urged politicians to complement the efforts of the government by playing by the rules, and the media to demand the highest standards of candidates during and after the elections.

“The media should also refrain from giving vent to misguided elements whose attitude is to win or destroy.

“Nigeria is bigger than any one of us. Nigerians on whose behalf candidates seek to govern want peace and progress.”