Nigeria can’t afford to repeat electoral fraud of 2007 –British High Commissioner

THIS IS TRULY NIGERIAN..GOOD PEOPLE, GREAT NATION

Outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Bob Dewar, has said that Nigeria cannot afford a repeat of the fraud that characterized the 2007 general elections.

Dewar said the fate of Africa depends on how Nigeria sorts herself out especially concerning the 2011 election.

He stated this in Lagos Wednesday night at a valedictory event in his honour.

“Nigeria is entering a critical period. ‘Business as usual’ is not enough. Africa and the world, including the UK as your partner and friend, want Nigeria to have credible elections. That would help build confidence at home and abroad.

“All Nigerian politicians, whether at the centre or in the states; have to decide if they want a credible election. Will they commit to democratic behaviours, including mutual respect and campaigning based on policy issues? Will they commit to zero tolerance for violence, corruption, rigging and hate speech? Will they commit to zero tolerance for anyone who pays thugs to intimidate opponents? Nigeria cannot afford to have an election like 2007,” Dewar said.

The British High Commissioner took time to give credit to the Lagos State Governor Babatunde Fashola, for what he called transparency in governance.

Dewar stated, “As I visit Lagos for the last time, I would like to compliment the Governor and team for efforts made towards more transparency and accountability, which has helped improve business confidence and development. There is much more to be done of course but we are pleased to be partners of Lagos.”

He said Nigeria requires good leadership at this time adding, “It is a time when citizens want transparency and should be thinking about policies and performance and holding their government to account. I believe citizens everywhere, including in Nigeria, want the same things- education, health, opportunities for the young- and jobs. “They don’t want the country’s money to be stolen or misused by politicians or public servants. They don’t want crime to succeed. And they don’t want insecurity.”





Emphasising on the role of Nigeria in Africa, he added, “Nigeria is important for the global system, as a large emerging economy. It is so important to keep taking forward reforms right now including in banking and electricity power and petroleum industry that build domestic and international confidence, based on international standards and rule of law. An expanding and open economy means more prosperity to be shared by all. A simple thing like reliable electricity could transform things. And the battle against corruption, fraud and trafficking is crucial for confidence, including against high level corruption, whoever may be the culprit, denting the culture of impunity.”