The United Kingdom has expressed concerns over the level of insecurity
and the potential for violence ahead of the 2015 general election in
Nigeria. This was as it harped on the role of the Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC) to ensure that the elections are credible, fair and
safe. The Permanent Secretary at the UK’s Department for International
Development (DFID), Mr. Mark Lowcock, made these comments according to a
statement made available by the British High Commission in Abuja.
Lowcock expressed the readiness of the UK to work with INEC and other
stakeholders for credible polls through its Deepening Democracy in
Nigeria 2 (DDiN2) Programme. DDiN2 is a £35million programme from 2014 –2018 to strengthen
democratic governance in Nigeria. Its objective is more efficient,
effective and responsive political, electoral and democratic
institutions. “Nigeria matters. For the 180 million Nigerians living in it, it
matters for Africa and it matters for the UK. This global focus on
Nigeria represents an important moment for the country. As Africa’s
biggest democracy, countries look to Nigeria to lead the continent in
many ways. Delivering credible elections in 2015 are a key pillar of
that leadership,” he said.
He added that supporting the 2015 elections in Nigeria would be a vital
part of DFID’s global commitment to support freer and fairer elections
across the globe. “The programme is working across the electoral cycle to strengthen
presidential, national and state elections and mitigate the risks of
violence. Elections on their own do not ensure democratization,” he
added. Commenting on the upcoming elections in Ekiti and Osun states, Lowcock
expressed hope that the polls would reflect INEC’s successful electoral
management, working together with political parties and security
agencies. .and the potential for peaceful elections to be conducted fairly
between credible candidates, with a more engaged electorate, and civil
society working together to support this process,” he added.
The DDiN2, he said, is also working with the National Assembly, and
encouraging a broader and more engaged electorate, in particular women
and youth, to make a more informed choice at the ballot box. Lowcock is expected to hold meetings in Abuja to review DFID’s progress
in implementing its development programme. He is also expected to
travel to Lagos to see some of DFID’s education and economic growth
programmes and meet investors and economists to discuss the economic.
Source: This Day Live
No comments:
Post a Comment