Jonathan makes a passionate appeal to countrymen

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President Goodluck Jonathan urged Nigerians on Friday to refrain from violence and accept the election result, a day before Africa’s biggest economy is scheduled to vote.wpid-Jonathan-Goodluck.jpg

“No political ambition can justify violence or the shedding of the blood of our people,” Jonathan, 57, said during a speech broadcast on all public television channels.

The president pledged to “ensure fair play during the elections” but warned that he would “protect the lives of all Nigerians and the security of our country” should violence break out.

“Elections must never be mistaken for war,” said Jonathan, adding that security agencies were “ready to deal decisively” with those who incited violence.

Tensions have been running high in the days before Saturday’s general elections, when Jonathan will compete for the nation’s highest office against his main contender, former military leader Muhammadu Buhari.

Fourteen candidates are vying for the presidency, but the election will effectively be a neck-and-neck race between Jonathan and Buhari.

During Nigeria’s 2011 polls, when Jonathan and Buhari also fought a tight race, hundreds of people were killed in post-election violence.

Political analysts repeatedly warned in recent weeks that violence triggered by a close election result was likely.

The president’s announcement comes a day after Jonathan and Buhari signed a peace deal, agreeing to ask their supporters to refrain from violence.

On Wednesday, the government ordered the closure of all land and sea borders to ensure peaceful elections.

GNA

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