US Congratulates Nigeria On Successful Gov., State Assembly Polls

United States government has congratulated Nigeria and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on the conduct of the just concluded Gubernatorial and State Assembly elections across the country. Although the election witnessed pockets of violence in some areas, particularly in the South-South states where about six people were killed, the U.S. in a statement issued Monday, stated the election, which "generally went well", built on the success of the March 28 presidential election. The statement reads in part: "We have seen the reports of violence and alleged irregularities, particularly in Rivers and Akwa Ibom states, and call on those dissatisfied to pursue their grievances peacefully in the judicial arena. "We regret any loss of life and destruction of property." the United States government also commended the leadership of Nigeria's political parties, notably President Goodluck Jonathan and President-elect Muhammadu Buhari, for urging their supporters to conduct themselves peacefully throughout the electoral process.