Connect with us
Advertisement

Nigeria News

Ex-British PM, Boris Johnson Visits Nigeria, Backs Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry [Photos]

Published

on

Ex-British PM, Boris Johnson Visits Nigeria, Backs Fight Against Terrorism, Banditry [Photos]
Advertisement

Former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson has backed the Nigerian Government in the fight against terrorism and banditry ravaging the Northern region.

Johnson gave the support while speaking at the 16th Anyiam-Osigwe lecture series titled ‘Rehumanising human experience: A synopsis of Anyiam-Osigwe’s treaties’, held at the Marriot Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos.

The former United Kingdom leader expressed optimism that Nigeria will defeat banditry and terrorism, and eventually, law and order will be restored in the country.

Johnson stated that the UK is also ready to help Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and banditry, stressing that his country had its own share of terrorism in the past.

Advertisement

He said, “The first and most important thing that makes a country thrive is that it has to be safe. You have got to have equality under the law because that is the foundation for freedom.

“I know some of the problems that are faced in this part of the country but I know that these bandits and terrorists must and will be defeated and eventually, law and order will prevail. I also want you to know that the UK stands ever-ready to help.

Advertisement

“We, in the UK, have had our issues with terrorists in the past and I am proud to say that London is one of the safest cities in the world.

“Whoever you are, you will receive the same scrutiny and protection in the UK and this is the most important thing. It is a precaution for economic growth.

“The next freedom is the right to choose those who govern you and the right to remove them from office. It is called democracy and it is precious and under attack the whole time.

Advertisement
Advertisement

“Why did Vladimir Putin launch his evil attack on Ukraine? It is because he could see that the Ukrainians were choosing a different path. They were going through a different democratic system that he was permitted to the Russian people. By the way, I believe the Ukrainians will win. By the way, why did Putin underestimate the Ukrainian people?

“It is because he does not practice a democratic system and he surrounds himself with sycophants. He had no democratic checks and balances.

“The third and crucial condition for releasing human potential is that you need a society that is an open system.”

Johnson said credible elections, equality before the law, education, and a good transport system are ways Nigeria can unleash its potential.

The former UK leader lamented a colossal waste of human resources in Nigeria despite its huge potential.

He added, “The UK has a population of about 66 million and Nigeria has over 200 million and still growing, how many of our people have reached their full potential?

“The job of politicians is to create opportunities for people to reach their potential because not only is that morally right, but it is also the right way for the economy.

“What we are seeing in both our countries is a colossal waste of human potential and all my years as Mayor of London or British Prime Minister, it has been ways to unleash the talents.”

Johnson called on Nigeria and the United Kingdom to deepen their partnership, saying the two nations share some similarities.

He also called on politicians to allow the people to freely elect those that will govern them.

Naija News reports that the lecture series was attended by notable dignitaries such as the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Obafemi Hamzat; among others.