The Association of Nigerian British- Mayors and Councillors has asked Nigerians to be more proactive in choosing their leaders. The Nigerian-born council men serving in the UK are asking their compatriots to shed voter apathy and play an active role in the polls.

Our correspondent in London, Doris Okenwa reports that participation in governance and assisting Nigerians in the United Kingdom was on the agenda at a meeting in London with the Nigerian High Commissioner.

For those finding it difficult to navigate through the city of London, the Deputy Mayor of Lambeth, Ademola Aminu advised them to “call the Nigerian Community Centre” highlighting the telephone number and the e-mail address of the centre on a pamphlet, or “call the British-Nigerian Councillors in the UK”.

While the Nigerian High Commissioner to the UK, Dalhatu Tafida, expressed optimism that “Nigerians can make it wherever we put our heads”, the Councillor of London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, Mr Emmanuel Obasohan, noted that “taking a backstage has never helped” adding that “it is time for us to be upfront  and be proactive” in our daily endeavours.

While the Councillor of London Borough of Brent, Mr Michael Adeyeye noted that though we have been complaining for a long period, he insists that “we can’t continue to be complaining” adding that “you have to join the establishments to make things happen”.

Meanwhile, Pat Nkechi, a Councillor from Enfield insisted that “it is very important for Nigerians to show people that Nigeria is not just about kidnappings and fraud which they hear on the television” adding that “there are Nigerians all over the place, particularly in the UK who are very educated and useful”.