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2015: Nigerians Will Accept Nothing Less Than Free, Fair Elections – UK Government

The Representative of the UK Prime Minister, Mark Simmons on Thursday called on the Nigerian government to deliver on its promise of a free and … Continue reading 2015: Nigerians Will Accept Nothing Less Than Free, Fair Elections – UK Government


The Representative of the UK Prime Minister, Mark Simmons on Thursday called on the Nigerian government to deliver on its promise of a free and fair election in 2015, as Nigerians will accept nothing less.

“Next February’s election will be a vital milestone” as “Nigeria’s fifth consecutive election under civilian rule,” he said as he addressed President Goodluck Jonathan, saying he (Jonathan) had “committed himself to assuring that the elections will be free and fair and I am confident that Nigerians will accept nothing less.”

Simmons made this known at a world leaders’ conference hosted by President Jonathan as part of the nation’s Centenary Celebration, in Abuja. Mr Simmons delivered a speech entitled ‘United Kingdom Support for Peace and Security In Africa in the Face of Emerging Threats.’

“I am always struck by Nigeria’s youth, energy and vitality” he said and assured that there is a “great future ahead for both Nigeria and its African counterparts.”

He, however warned that choices made by African leaders will determine Africa’s future as “it is a future that is closely linked to the achievement of prosperity, stability and democracy.”

Relationship With Nigeria

Simmons, who delivered congratulatory message on behalf of the Queen of England, spoke on the history of both nations. “Our relationship is rooted in our joint history” characterised by the “large and important and energetic Nigerian community in the United Kingdom, the deep and expanding trade relationship and countless educational and sporting cultural connections.”

Speaking on Nigeria’s 100th year of existence, Simmons said “in 1940, the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates and Lagos brought together peoples, territory and resources that had never before considered themselves as having mutual interests.

“That brought challenges,” he said adding that the country’s diversity brought “strength, resilience and a multitude of talent.”

He further described Nigeria as a country “of international influence, peace-keeper, leader in the African Union and in the United Nations Security Council” which had become a driving economic and political force in the region.

Message To African Leaders

While addressing African leaders gathered at the Conference, Simmons stressed the need for a continent where fundamentals rights are protected, good governance, job creation, zero poverty.

He also lauded the achievements of African leaders in the last decade whose efforts lifted millions out of poverty and conflict but pointed out that there are some governments who are yet to decide “between building open governments, institutions and economies or putting up barriers, oppressing minorities and ruling through fear and violence.”

“In 1914, 100 years ago, as Nigeria was being born, Europe stood on the verge of tearing itself apart. Europe’s future was uncertain. Its part towards democracy, prosperity and stability was unclear. It was the choices European leaders made that have brought European countries to where they are today. Many of those choices brought success but as we sadly know, some of the choices brought terror and devastation in Europe, to millions.

“If African nations are to avoid the mistakes that European nations made over the last 100 years, then ultimately African leaders, in the next century, must make the right choices.”

He added that African leaders gathered at the event “hold in their hands, the fate of possibly one billion people and their prosperity.”

He averred that the success of African governments will be judged by democracy, prosperity, stability and not rhetorics.

 

The International Conference on Human Security, Peace and Development is on-going in Abuja where several world leaders including President Francios Hollande of France, Ellen Johnson Sirleaf of Liberia, President of Chad, Idriss Déby, President José Manuel Barroso of the European Commission, are in attendance.