Tijani Adeyemi – Abuja
Amid litigations trailing the conduct of the Presidential and National Assembly elections, conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on February 25, 2023, the outgoing British High Commissioner in Nigeria, Catriona Laing, described it as fascinating and offered future assuredness for democratic governance in the country.
The British envoy who made the declaration at the National Assembly on Tuesday in Abuja while Fielding questions from journalists after a courtesy visit on the President of the Senate, Senator Ahmad Lawan, said despite contestation on the process of the election by some political actors, it was fascinating and portend bright future for the country.
“I made very good friends, I love Nigerian music a lot, the culture here is so rich secondly the politics in Nigeria is so fascinating.
“I was here till the last election and I finished with this election and I’m impressed with Nigeria’s democratic journey.
“Yes, a bit of a setback, but overall, I see this as positive and Nigeria should be proud but with a remarkable difference when I came in 2019.
“Nigeria is the biggest democracy in Africa. The world watches your progress to democracy.
“Though there were some disappointments in the last election overall, every Nigerian should be proud because since 1999 Nigeria has been on the right track as far as participatory democracy is concerned.
“The election here is very different and fascinating as you are moving to three party system or maybe even four. I think Nigerians as well should realise that their votes count,” she said.
Aside election, the British envoy also saluted Nigerians for being resilient at all times of difficulties.
“There had been some tough times. We had COVID-19 and insecurity has got a lot more since I was here. Nigerian people are incredibly resilient. I remain very optimistic about Nigeria’s future. So it’s been a very wonderful tour and very sad to be going,” she stressed.
Earlier at the courtesy visit, Senate President, Ahmad Lawan in his remarks, commended the British envoy on her positive disposition to the country.
He tasked her to help in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Britain.
“Nigeria and Britain have come a long way in very cordial and diplomatic relations over the years, the tradition we believe, high rated diplomat like you, can help to foster and strengthen,” he said.
He wished her all the best in her future endeavours.
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