Bill Clinton Cancels Trip to Nigeria After Being Called Out for Election Meddling
The planned visit of a former President of the United States, Bill Clinton, for Wednesday has been cancelled.
Clinton was expected to witness the second signing of the Second Peace Accord.
The General Abdulsalami Abubakar led National Peace Committee had said the former US President would present a keynote address at the signing ceremony that is expected to hold at the International Conference Centre, ICC, Abuja.
He was also expected that to hold meetings with President Muhammadu Buhari and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar aimed at nipping threats of unrest in the bud.
However, a statement by Clinton’s spokesman, Angel Ureña, regretted the former President’s visit might be politicised in a way that is not in line with the goals of the committee.
The statement said: “President Clinton appreciates General Abdulsalami Abubakar and the Nigerian National Peace Committee’s invitation to travel to Nigeria.
Read also: 2019 ELECTIONS: Bill Clinton to witness signing of another peace accord between Buhari, Atiku
“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.
“He looks forward to talking to both candidates and General Abubarkar this week”
Sauce: https://www.ripplesnigeria.com/bill-clinton-cancels-travel-to-nigeria-says-he-does-not-want-his-visit-politicised/
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