Ambassador Michel Arrion, Head of European Union Delegation to the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States, (ECOWAS),

Ambassador Michel Arrion has called for violence-free polls across Nigeria.

He said the European Union nations are friends of Nigeria and Nigerians, therefore the regional body is concerned about the forth-coming general elections.

Arrion said this in Port Harcourt during a courtesy call on governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Rivers State, Dr Dakuku Peterside.

The envoy, who expressed anxiety over increasing tension ahead of March 28 and April 11 elections, called on political actors to play by the rules to avoid violence or anything that is capable of discrediting the elections.

“I just started my visit this morning. This is my first visit to Port Harcourt and I am meeting with the governor and the candidates for the governorship elections. For me, it is an opportunity to discuss with all the candidates and political stakeholders, including civil societies to get a sense of state politics and electoral processes. We also want to see what is going on, not only at state level but also at the federal level.

“I am always raising the same issues with all politicians, primarily the question of violence. We very much unfortunately anticipate violence. As EU, we are friends of Nigeria and Nigerians and we would like to avoid violence by all means. So what kind of prevention, what kind of preparation can we support? That is why we are here,” he said.

Responding, Peterside commended EU for their timely intervention. He said nothing could have been better for Nigerians in this season of election than this violence-free election initiative.

He pledged his commitment to peaceful elections and called on Nigerians to continue to support such initiatives, insisting that credible elections come only where there is no violence and chaos.

He reminded the country that all “eyes are on Nigeria, therefore the highest level of conduct is expected from us.”

•Photo shows Peterside

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