The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, has asked for increased collaboration between the government of the United Kingdom and Nigeria in order to promote issues of mutual benefits to both countries.
Atiku made the call, according to a statement on Monday, when a delegation of the British High Commission, led by Catriona Laing, met with him at his residence in Abuja.
He said, “The bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom have a rich history and it is important for both countries to leverage on that to promote issues that are of mutual concern.
“I expect the United Kingdom to play a more active role in the survival of democracy in Nigeria, and I am confident that the presidential election in 2023 will be free and fair. I decry the poor state of affairs in the country and solicit UK assistance, especially in the area of training and intelligence sharing.”
Atiku added that if given the opportunity, he would, among other things, abolish the multiple exchange rate regimes, reduce the tax to encourage genuine manufacturers, promote real investments and boost agriculture in order to create employment for the country’s teeming population.
In her response, Laing said, “The meeting with the former Vice President was part of the ongoing engagement of the UK government to enhance democracy and credible elections in Nigeria. We discussed a wide range of issues bordering on security, education, agriculture, economy, and fostering national unity in Nigeria.”
