Former British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has expressed optimism that banditry and terrorism will be defeated in Nigeria, and eventually, law and order will prevail in the country.
The former UK Prime Minister gave this assurance while speaking at the 16th Anyiam-Osigwe lecture series titled ‘Re-humanising human experience: A synopsis of Anyiam-Osigwe’s treaties.
The event, organised by the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, was held at the Marriot Hotel, in Ikeja, Lagos.
According to the ex-British Prime Minister, “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.
He lamented a colossal waste of human resources in Nigeria despite its huge potential, and further stated that, “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 potentials? 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.
Johnson said credible elections, equality before the law, education, and a good transport system are ways Nigeria can unleash its potential. He also called on Nigeria and the United Kingdom to deepen their partnership saying the two nations share some similarities.
The former UK Prime Minister also called on politicians to allow the people to freely elect those that will govern them just as he harped on an effective transport system.
