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| Left: British envoy in Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Paul Arkwright |
News
The British envoy to
Nigeria Mr. Paul Arkwright has debunked claims by some Biafra agitators that
the British government is backing their agitation to break away from Nigeria.
Speaking with journalists
after he met with the Speaker of the Kwara state House of Assembly, Rt. Hon.
Ali Ahmad, on a courtesy visit in Ilorin at the weekend, the British envoy in
Nigeria, His Excellency, Mr. Paul Arkwright, said British government was not in
support of any agitation for breakup of Nigeria.
It is recalled that some
agitators had claimed that some powerful nations like the US and UK were
backing their agitation, while the US government had denied such claim.
“In a word No. We don’t
have anything to do with anyone agitating for breakup of Nigeria. We are
strongly in support of unity of Nigeria and Federal Government of Nigeria. And
that’s what British government has consistently supported and we don’t have
interest or in support of any one agitating for breakup of Nigeria. For anyone
to say British governmental is involved in any way in breakup of Nigeria is
completely wrong,” he said.
The British ambassador,
who described Nigeria democratic situation as delicate, commended both the
state government and the state House of Assembly on their efforts at upholding
democratic tenets, and keeping the flame of democracy alive.
He said the British
government was interested in getting more Nigerian women engaged in politics,
added that he was happy with efforts of the state government and the House of
Assembly in women participation, especially with women lawmakers holding
leadership position in the House.
He said that percentage of
women in politics was low in Nigeria, and charged the government to encourage
more women in politics.
He also said that his
government would continue to collaborate with state government in areas of
education, and political development.
Also speaking, the Speaker
described the visit as symbolic, saying that it was an attestation that British
government was in support of Nigeria democracy.
“This has also deepened democracy
in Nigeria and it sent a message that legislature is central to democracy.
Unfortunately, many state Houses of Assembly in Nigeria are not functioning as
expected. But we here at the House of Assembly have had cause to amicably defer
with the executives despite the fact that we’re in same party,” he said.
Credit: Tribune Online
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