Politics
Nigeria’s politics is fascinating, portends bright future -British envoy
Catriona Laing
Despite the controversies that are trailing 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 brighter future for democratic governance in the country.
Fielding questions from journalists after courtesy visit on the Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan at the National Assembly complex on Tuesday in Abuja, Laing said despite contestation on the process of the election by some political actors, it was fascinating and portend bright future for the country.
She said: “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 set backs (are noticed), but in over all, 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 elections, but 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 may be even four. I think Nigerians as well should realise that their votes count.”
Aside elections, the British envoy also saluted Nigerians for being resilient at all times of difficulties.
“There had been some tough times. We had COVID-19, insecurity has got lot more since I was here. Nigerian people are incredibly resilient. I remain very optimistic to Nigeria’s future. So, it’s been very wonderful tour and very sad to be going,” she further stressed.
Earlier at the courtesy visit, the Senate President, in his remarks, commended the British envoy on her positive disposition to the country.
Lawan tasked her to help in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Britain.
“Nigeria and Britain have come a long way very cordial and diplomatic relations over the years, the tradition we believe, high rated diplomat like you, can help to foster and strengthening,” he said.
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