US, UK, Canada, others welcome Nigeria's peace accord ahead of Feb. 25 election

By Olanrewaju Kola

MAIDUGURI, Nigeria (AA) - A group of countries welcomed a peace accord Thursday that was signed by presidential candidates and their political parties in Nigeria ahead of the Feb. 25 presidential election.

Diplomatic missions from the US, UK, Canada, Australia, Japan and Norway expressed full support for all efforts that will ensure the choice of the Nigerian people at the polls.

"We believe it is vital for Nigeria’s stability and democratic consolidation that the process is conducted and concluded safely, fairly and credibly," they said in a statement.

They asked officials to respect human rights and democratic values.

The missions urged security services to protect people and the election process.

"We encourage all actors to intervene proactively to calm any tensions and avoid any violence in the periods before, during and after the elections," it said.

US Ambassador to Abuja Mary Beth Leopard told journalists earlier that her country is concerned about political violence as voting draws closer.

Eighteen candidates vying for the presidency signed a peace accord Wednesday to accept the outcome of the election.

The accord was organized by the national peace committee, an independent body led by a Nigeria military head of state.