This election not looking good for Nigeria: win or lose, there will be serious violence of unimaginable proportion - US Ambassador

This election not looking good for Nigeria: win or lose, their will be serious violence of unimaginable proportion - US Ambassador

A Former US Ambassador to Nigeria, Princeton Lyman warned of dire consequences if the election is held on the 14th of Feb. 2015. He made it clear that win or lose, their will be serious violence of unimaginable proportion. Princeton Lyman is adding his voice to those who are arguing that INEC should postpone the oncoming election. Speaking on BBC African channel, Princeton Lyman said-

“Preparations are not in place for elections in Nigeria particular in the North East.

There is no agreement among the elite on how to succeed on Nigeria’s fundamental issues, Elections, Power, Boko Haram.

No matter who wins the election it won’t address the problems and violence will follow. They need to take a ‘time out’ come together to agree on some of the issues facing Nigeria.

It may be too late in the day but this can help to move things in the right direction.

There is something fundamentally wrong with Nigeria, rather than addressing the issue of Boko Haram as a national crisis, the issue is being used in a political football game.

Crisis needs national focus, which currently cannot be seen coming from both parties.

How is the ‘country’ going to address the problems?

How nationally are the military and security services going to be reformed, as they so far have been incapable of addressing Boko Haram?

I’d love to be proven wrong, and a democratic election be held peacefully, but given all the issues and the drop in oil prices needing an economic adjustment, it does not look good for Nigeria.

I’m not usually pessimistic and indeed am normally the optimist for Nigeria; however I am pessimistic thou I do not foresee it dividing now or after elections”, Mr. Lyman added.

We are getting in touch with the present US Ambassador to Nigeria, to get his take on this.

-Nigerian FM