US VP Calls Jonathan About Use Of Card Reader, Read What He Said [READ MORE]

Following the controversy the introduction of card readers have caused in the polity in recent time, as some party speak against its use while some express their full support, the Vice President of the United States, Joe Biden has intervened in the matter.

The Vice President of the United States, Biden, on Wednesday made a crucial phone call to President Goodluck Jonathan over the use of card readers for the March 28 and April 11 general elections.

The Cable reports that in a statement issued by the United States Diplomatic Mission to Nigeria, the US vice president fully revealed his support to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the proposed use of card readers in the forthcoming elections.

Biden in the statement also communicated his concern about recent political violence rocking parts of the country and stressed the need for the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), President Jonathan, and the candidate of the opposition party, the Al;l Progressive Congress (APC), Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to speak against it.

Read the full statement below:

U.S. Vice President Joe Biden spoke yesterday with Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan and presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari ahead of the Nigerian presidential election, which is scheduled for March 28.

The Vice President commended President Jonathan and General Buhari for signing the Abuja Accord in mid-January as a show of their commitment to non-violence throughout the election process.

The Vice President further expressed the United States’ support for the Nigerian Independent National Electoral Commission and its work to deliver free, fair, and credible elections, in part through its essential efforts to distribute Permanent Voter Cards and help ensure that electronic voter card readers are in place and fully operational.

He also noted his concern about the violence during some recent election-related events and reiterated the need for both candidates to make clear that such violence has no place in democratic elections.

Vice President Biden affirmed that the United States stands with the Nigerian people in support of credible and peaceful elections, and will continue to stand with the Nigerian people whatever the outcome.

On the lingering issue regarding the use of Permanent Voters Card (PVCs) for the forthcoming elections, INEC have been given the go ahead by justice Abdulkadir Abdul-Kafarati of the Federal High Court in Abuja.

Hon Abayomi Abdul-Kabir Ayeola, who is a member of the House of Representatives representing Ibeju-Lekki Federal Constituency on the platform of the All Progressive Congress (APC) recently spoke on the use of card readers for the polls.