Boris Johnson, the British Prime Minister, has expressed hope that banditry and terrorism will be defeated in Nigeria and that law and order will eventually prevail.
This assurance was given by the former UK Prime Minister at the 16th Anyiam-Osigwe lecture series, titled “Rehumanising Human Experience: A Synopsis of Anyiam-Treaties.” Osigwe’s treaties.
The event was held at the Marriott Hotel in Ikeja, Lagos, and was organised by the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation in collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs.
Former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, arrived Nigeria today through our terminal, for a keynote speaking engagement.
He was received by CIS Adesokan and top officials of diplomatic missions, before being cleared through Immigration protocol.
We say welcome to Nigeria!! 🇳🇬🇬🇧 pic.twitter.com/GGILwjY6ze
— Nigeria Immigration Service MMIA (@NIS_MMIA) March 27, 2023
“The first and most important thing that makes a country thrive is that it is safe,” he says. Equality under the law is required because it is the foundation for freedom.
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“I am aware of some of the issues that exist in this part of the country, but I am also aware that these bandits and terrorists must and will be defeated, and that law and order will eventually prevail.” I also want you to know that the United Kingdom is always willing to assist.
“We have had issues in the past with terrorists in the UK, and I am proud to say that London is one of the safest cities in the world.”
“Whoever you are, you will be scrutinised and protected in the UK, and that is the most important thing.” It is a safeguard for economic growth.
“The right to choose who governs you and to remove them from office is the next freedom.” Democracy is a precious commodity that is constantly under attack.
What motivated Vladimir Putin to launch his heinous attack on Ukraine? Because he saw that the Ukrainians were taking a different path. They were going through a different democratic system that he had been allowed to introduce to the Russian people. By the way, I think the Ukrainians will prevail. Also, why did Putin underestimate the Ukrainian people?
“It’s because he doesn’t believe in democracy and surrounds himself with sycophants.” There were no democratic checks and balances in place.
The third and most important requirement for unleashing human potential is an open society.”
Johnson went on to say, “The UK has about 66 million people, and Nigeria has over 200 million people and is still growing; how many of our people have reached their full potential?” Politicians’ job is to create opportunities for people to reach their full potential because it is not only morally correct, but also economically sound.
“What we are seeing in both of our countries is a massive waste of human potential, and all of my years as Mayor of London or British Prime Minister have been about finding ways to unleash the talents.”
He bemoaned Nigeria’s massive waste of human resources, despite its enormous potential.
Credible elections, equality before the law, education, and a good transportation system, according to Johnson, are ways for Nigeria to realise its full potential.
He also urged Nigeria and the United Kingdom to strengthen their relationship, citing similarities between the two countries.
The former UK Prime Minister emphasised equality under the law as the foundation that ensures human potential, while also urging governments at all levels to ensure that the law is enforced without fear or favour.
He also urged politicians to allow the people to freely elect those who will govern them, and he emphasised the importance of an efficient transportation system.
Quadri Olaitan is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, public affairs, and human-interest stories.
