UK Asks For Calm After Postponed Elections

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond

The United Kingdom has called for calm and patience amidst the news by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) of the postponed elections from February 14 to March 28.
The United Kingdom Foreign Secretary, Philip Hammond, said Nigerians have a right to vote and such rights should be exercised by the electorate.

UK Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond

“The Nigerian people have the right to credible, peaceful and transparent elections.  There should be no further delay in delivering democracy and I urge all to remain calm during this period of frustration,” Hammond is quoted as saying by News 24.
“While we support Nigeria in its struggle against terrorism, the security situation should not be used as a reason to deny the Nigerian people from exercising their democratic rights.  It is vital that the elections are kept on track and held as soon as possible in accordance with international norms.”
It is generally believed that the elections were postponed due to the  the ongoing terror waged by the Boko Haram sect and the ill-preparedness of the INEC .
The USA on its part has been more critical of the date shifts as Secretary of State John Kerry expressed the disappointment of the USA over the postponed elections.