BEVERLY HILLS, May 22, (THEWILL) – The British government has warned against “non-democratic” change of government in Nigeria, amid speculations about military coup as concerns grow over President Muhammadu Buhari’s health.
This was declared in Abuja by the British High Commission to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright, at an event to formally launch a new report on corruption in Nigeria which was put together by UK policy think-tank, Chatham House,
Arkwright said that the United Kingdom will not permit any other “non-democratic” political system in Nigeria.
“We colonized Nigeria and have no doubt that democracy is the only political system that can save Nigeria,” he stated.
“No other system will work in Nigeria, except democracy, UK believes so much in democracy and that is why we introduced it to Nigeria during the colonial era, we believe so much in democracy.
“So, our position is very clear; we stand for democracy, we stand for the democratic process and we stand for change, if that is what the people of Nigeria wants.
“It has to be a choice that the people make and not a choice that is imposed upon them.
“The British Government believes that democracy is absolutely critical in Nigeria. There is a democratic process here; there are elections.
“If you are not happy with your leaders, then you should change your leadership process through your leaders and through elections.”
THEWILL recalls that the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, recently revealed that some politicians were approaching soldiers, with the aim of usurping power warning that “any officer or soldier of Nigerian Army found to be hobnobbing with such elements or engaged in unprofessional conducts such as politicking would have himself or herself to blame.”
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