President Muhammadu Buhari has assured that he will ensure free and fair, credible elections in 2019.
According to him, all hands were on deck to forestall the violence that marred the 2011 elections which necessitated investigations by the International Criminal Court.
Buhari made the promise in his keynote address at the Solemn Hearing to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Rome Statute of the ICC at The Hague.
Scores of Nigerians were killed in parts of the country in the wake of the violence that broke out after the 2011 elections in Nigeria.
But the President assured the ICC that such would not happen under his watch.
He said, “Let me intimate you that Nigeria is preparing to conduct general elections in 2019.
“Contrary to the tragic incidents that characterised the 2011 general elections in Nigeria which necessitated preliminary investigations by the International Criminal Court, I assure you that all hands are on deck to prevent any recurrence of such tragic incidents.
“We shall do everything possible to ensure that Nigeria witness the conduct of free, fair and peaceful elections in 2019.”
Buhari called on the states parties to support ICC with jurisdiction over serious cases of corruption and illicit financial flows by state actors.
He added, “A strong and effective ICC has the potential to send a powerful message about the international community’s commitment to accountability, a message that will be heard by both victims and perpetrators.
“Equally, a strong and effective ICC demonstrates the international community’s commitment to the rule of law.
‘‘A strong and effective ICC can also act as a catalyst for other justice efforts, expanding the reach of accountability.
“These could include serious cases of corruption by state actors that severely compromise the development efforts of countries and throw citizens into greater poverty.
“These could also include cases of illicit financial flows where countries are complicit and obstruct repatriation of stolen assets. As the African Union Champion on Anti-corruption, these are issues dear to my heart.”
The President thanked the judges of the court for electing a Nigerian, Chile Eboe-Osuji, as President.
