Urges Nigeria to prioritize the issues of palliatives and social safety nets that need to go alongside the difficult economic reformsABUJA- AS the National Assembly embarks on yet another journey of the review of the 1999 Constitution as Amended, the British Government has asked Nigeria to pay serious attention to the issue of State police as well as focus on promoting better representation for women in politics and in parliament.
Montgomery said, “About democratic issues and legislative issues and your excellency, the reason why I wanted to pay my respects, pay my courtesy call, but also bring my delegation, is that where possible, we would like to understand your vision, your priorities for the 10th National Assembly. But before perhaps I table a few issues for interest and possible conversation, I would just like to make a broader statement about the UK Nigeria relationship.
“Iam sure there are other distinguished Senators or principal office holders who may want to weigh in. But we are watching your debate about issues like State police, issues like promoting better representation for women in politics and in parliament, issues like the palliatives and social safety nets that need to go alongside the difficult economic reforms, but very impressive economic reforms that are being undertaken.
“That first year has seen, I think, a significant elevation in the relationships that are being established between my government and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. And those relationships have been elevated in a number of quite specific areas of mutual interest and I hope mutual benefit.
Responding, the President of the Senate, Senator Akpabio who thanked the British envoy for his inputs into democratic governance in Nigeria, said, ‘ We value your input to democratic practice not just in Nigeria but in Africa.”