United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mary Beth Leonard, has expressed concern over the violence that has characterised the campaigns for the 2023 general elections.
Leonard expressed the concerns during a media chat with a select group of newsmen in Abuja.
He disclosed that partners of Nigeria are paying attention to happenings in the country as far as the elections are concerned.
Leonard further said people have a right to express their vote, saying that elections since 1999 where people have shown the enthusiasm for doing so, the United States wants to see, moving forward, in the coming days, a situation whereby people can execute their democratic rights.
On if the United States believed the peace accord will make an impact on the peaceful conduct of elections in the country, Leonard said she hoped that leaders in the country take their commitment seriously.
Leonard, who also spoke on the hardship associated with getting visa dates by those travelling to the United States, said it was true that as a result of COVID-19 and some of the disruptions, the United States fell grievously behind in staffing and processing visas.
Leonard however said she was happy to say that in 2022, the United States processed more student visas than it did in 2019.
Leonard, who assured that there will be light at the end of the tunnel , thanked the Nigerian travelling public for their patience during the difficult period.
