By Dare Akogun
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and former Vice President of Nigeria, Atiku Abubakar has sought for an increased collaboration between the Nigeria and the United Kingdom in finding a lasting solution to issues that are of mutual benefits to both countries.
Atiku made this call on Monday when a delegation of the British High Commission, led by Ambassador Catriona Laing paid him a courtesy visit at his residence in Abuja.
The meeting discussed a wide range of issues bordering on security, education, agriculture, economy and fostering national unity in Nigeria.
The High Commissioner noted that the courtesy visit on the former Vice President is part of the on-going engagement of the UK government to enhance democracy and credible elections in Nigeria.
In his response, Atiku appreciated the delegation for the meeting and noted that “the bi-lateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom has a rich history and it is important for both countries to leverage on that to promote issues that are of mutual concerns.”
The Waziri Adamawa states further that he expects the United Kingdom to play more active role for the survival of democracy in Nigeria, and that he is confident that the presidential election in 2023 will be free and fair.
On the issue of insecurity, he decried the poor state of affairs in the country and asked the UK government to give Nigeria assistance especially in the area of training and intelligence sharing.
On the economic status of the country the former Vice President said among other things that if given the opportunity, he would abolish the multiple exchange rate regimes and then reduce tax to encourage genuine manufacturers and promote real investments.
He also promised to boost agriculture in order to create employment for the country’s teeming population.
Furthermore, the PDP presidential candidate expressed concern over the lingering ASUU strike and the crisis in the educational sector.
He promises to carry out reforms in the sector, including the restoration of the Federal Students’ Loans Board.
