UNITED Nations (UN) secretary-general Ban Ki-Moon has congratulated Nigeria on the largely peaceful and orderly conduct of presidential and parliamentary elections yesterday describing it as an important milestone. 

Eager to see Nigeria's elections pass successfully, Mr Ki-Moon had repeatedly said that the country must set a good example for the African continent when it comes to the democratic process. Despite a few hiccups yesterday, including a Boko Haram attack in Gombe State, the elections were by and large peaceful. 

Mr Ki-Moon encouraged all Nigerians to continue to maintain the peace and to exercise patience throughout the ongoing voting process and the announcement of the final results. He condemned the attacks reportedly carried out by Boko Haram in some parts of the country and attempts by hoodlums to disrupt polling in some areas. 

According to Mr Ki-Moon, he was encouraged by the determination and resilience shown by Nigerians in pressing forward and exercising their civic duties. He called on all actors to channel any complaints that might arise from the elections through the established dispute resolution mechanisms. 

Among other things, the UN chief said he believed that the successful conclusion of the electoral process would mark an important step forward in further consolidating democracy and the rule of law in Nigeria. Before voting, Mr Ki-Moon had said that Nigeria should set a good example when it comes to holding elections and the UN tried to aid this process by donating $60m towards the process.