2015: US Expresses Worry over Governor Shema’s Comment

2015: US Expresses Worry over Governor Shema’s Comment

Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema

Zacheaus Somorin
The United States embassy has expressed worry over a comment credited to the Katsina State Governor, Ibrahim Shehu Shema, calling for the killing of ‘’cockroaches of politics’’.

In a statement made available to THISDAY on Thursday, the embassy said: “The United States strongly supports a free, transparent, credible, inclusive, and non-violent electoral process.  We are deeply troubled by Governor Ibrahim Shehu Shema of Katsina State’s recent statements calling for the killing of the ‘cockroaches of politics.’”

The statement added: “Rhetorical threat of violence undermines the democratic process and is utterly unacceptable in a democratic society; calling on all all Nigerians to refrain from advocating, fomenting, or condoning violence before, during, or after the elections.

“Participants in the electoral process must demonstrate passion for their convictions and beliefs in a manner that shows respect for opposing differences.  The Nigerian Constitution itself states it is the duty of every citizen to respect the dignity of other citizens and the rights and legitimate interests of citizens to live in unity and harmony’’.