HUNDREDS of US Marines have been stationed in Ghana in anticipation of post-election violence in Nigeria as the country goes to the polls today to elect its president and members of the federal legislature.
Voter accreditation has already begun as Nigerians vote for president, senators and members of the House of Representatives today. There are fears, however, that there may be post-election violence, especially after the results are announced as neither the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP) or the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) is likely to accept defeat.
Preparing itself for any eventuality, the US has posted a battalion of Marines in neighbouring Ghana, who will likely be used to evacuate its citizens if the situation deteriorates. John Kerry, the US secretary of state visited Nigeria earlier this year to preach peace and last week, President Barack Obama published a YouTube video calling for calm.
With Nigeria being Africa's largest country and economy, it is feared that endless strife might end of spreading across the continent, with damaging consequences. One source in Accra said that two Hercules C-130 planes landed at Kotoka Airport last week and they carried at least three helicopters.
“There are well over 200 marines and they are camped at the airport. The helicopters are believed to be meant for the quick evacuation of Americans in Nigeria in the event of violence," the source added.
Nigeria's Independent National Electoral Commission has promised to announce the results within 48 hours of voting ending. With the race for president being very close, either the PDP's President Goodluck Jonathan or the APC's General Muhammadu Buhari could emerge winner.
Source: www.nigerianwatch.com
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