From Christian Purefoy, CNN
Nigeria in turmoil over election results
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
- President urges protesters to avoid violence
- “There are … no grievances that our laws and courts cannot address,” he says
- Protesters in the mostly Muslim north charge the vote is rigged after Jonathan’s election
- Citizens return to the polls Tuesday to vote in the gubernatorial election
Lagos, Nigeria (CNN) — Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan on Thursday warned perpetrators of postelection violence that “enough is enough,” saying the unrest brings back memories of events leading up to a 1960s civil war in the nation.
The electoral commission this week declared Jonathan the winner of the presidential election. He hails from the oil-rich southern region, which is majority Christian.
Parts of the mostly Muslim north charged the elections were rigged. Armed protesters in the region prowled the streets chanting the name of former military ruler Muhammadu Buhari, the main opposition frontrunner.
“We are shocked by these horrific acts, which strike at the heart of our nation,” Jonathan said in a statement Thursday. “These acts of mayhem are sad reminders of the events which plunged our country into 30 months of an unfortunate civil war.”
Muslims fearing reprisal attacks in Christian areas have fled to military barracks or neighboring states, the Nigerian Red Cross said.
More than 40,000 people are displaced in the north, according to the aid group. Government officials have declined to release the number of fatalities or injuries over fears it could prompt revenge attacks.
Jonathan urged protesters to avoid violence, saying “enough is enough.”
“There are … no grievances that our laws and courts cannot address,” he said.
Security has been reinforced in the troubled parts, and forces will use any “lawful” means necessary to restore peace, the incumbent said.
Jonathan’s warning comes two days after he pledged a “new dawn” for the nation following the vote hailed as a significant improvement from past polls.
The last election four years ago was widely condemned for rampant vote rigging, violence, theft of ballot boxes and intimidation.
While Saturday’s election was marred by violence, reports of underage voting and other logistical problems, observers considered it an improvement.
World leaders have urged the west African nation to probe allegations of ballot stuffing and unusually high turnout in some areas.
Nigeria is Africa’s largest oil producer and its most populous nation with 150 million people.
Citizens return to the polls Tuesday to vote in the gubernatorial election.
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