I’m disturbed that there is no statement from the Federal Government on the UK election. Today’s historic election is UK’s most important election in decades, as it will determine the future of the country, and invariably, that of the European Union.
As one of our major allies, the stability of the UK is very important to the stability of Europe. Millions of Nigerians live and work in the UK, running their hospitals, civil service and security agencies, and extending the light of African civilization to that far flung island nation discovered by our legendary Kunta Kinte in the 13th Century.
As the largest African democracy with a robust democratic culture, I expect the Nigerian government, through our electoral commission, to provide technical and financial assistance to the UK to ensure its elections match acceptable African standards and guard it against any foreign interference especially from Russia.
Given the enormity of the Russian threat and its history of meddling in European elections, the UK has a lot to benefit from Nigerian technology and expertise in electoral security and management. Nigeria should make it clear to the Russian government that any attempt to meddle in the UK elections will have severe consequences on our relations and that of our western allies.
It is equally important for the Nigerian government to emphasize the need for all major electoral actors in the UK to play by the rule. A politically stable and economically prosperous UK is in Nigeria’s best interests. Not only that it will guarantee the safety of Nigerians and their investment in the UK, but also because any potential instability will risk the influx of British refugees into Africa, unsettling Africa’s demographic balance.
As the UK struggles to wriggle itself out of its Brexit quagmire, this is the time for Nigeria to demonstrate to the world that we always stand by our allies.
By Ahmed Musa Hussaini