2023: Despite misgivings, British envoy says politics in Nigeria is fascinating

Despite misgivings over 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 to Nigeria Catriona Laing, has described Nigeria’s politics as fascinating.

The British envoy who made the declaration at the Senate wing of the National Assembly on Tuesday 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 alot 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.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 election 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”, 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, insecurity has got lot more since I was here. Nigerian people are incredibly resilient. I remain very optimistic for Nigeria’s future. So it’s been very wonderful tour and very sad to be going”, she stressed .
Earlier at the courtesy visit, 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