Peace Accord: Clinton cancels visit to Nigeria

Former President of the United States of America’s (USA), Mr Bill Clinton has cancelled his visit to Nigeria. Clinton was earlier billed to be in Abuja on Wednesday for the revalidation of the National Peace Accord by presidential candidates of political parties ahead of next Saturday’s general elections. Clinton, was sheduled to deliver a keynote address at the event organised by the National Peace Committee at the International Conference Centre (ICC) Abuja.

He was also expected to hold meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar in a bid to persuade them to work towards peaceful elections However, Clinton’s spokesman Angel Ureña yesterday said the trip had been cancelled because of concerns that it might be politicised in a way that is not in line with the goals of the committee.

The statement read as golliws: “President Clinton appreciates General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the Nigerian National Peace Committee’s invitation to travel to Nigeria. “He is incredibly supportive and respectful of the committee’s efforts, of the election process, and of the work being done to try to ensure a peaceful, free, fair, and transparent outcome. This is a crucial time in Nigeria, and President Clinton is hopeful that the election’s outcome reflects the will of the Nigerian people.

“Over the course of the last several days, and after various conversations with the different stakeholders, it’s become apparent that President Clinton’s visit to Nigeria has the potential to be politicized in a way that is not in line with the goals of the committee. Therefore, he will not be traveling to Abuja.”

Head of Secretariat, National Peace Committee, Fr. Atta Barkindo, in a statement on Sunday disclosed that Clinton will deliver a goodwill message at the ceremony. He disclosed that the ceremony was necessary given the importance of peaceful elections and non-violent transfer of power in Nigeria.

“The NPC has engaged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security services, 91 registered parties, the media and civil society organisations. “Considering some of the challenges faced, the committee organized the first signing of the National Peace Accord on 11th December, 2018 to support peaceful campaigns and political rallies.

“Following from this, the committee, led by former Nigerian Head of State General Abdulsalami Abubakar, has organized the second signing of the National Peace Accord which would be held on Wednesday 13th February, 2019 by 10 am at Abuja International Conference Centre. “This signing is aimed towards committing stakeholders to accepting the outcome of the vote, as long as it is announced by INEC, the body empowered by law and is adjudged to be free, fair and credible,” the statement added.