Consider State Police, Gender Equality in Constitution Amendment -UK tells Nigeria

The British Government on Tuesday urged the Nigerian parliament to strongly consider the agitation for state police and gender equality in the course of its review of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The British Government’s position was convened through its High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, during his courtesy visit to Senate President Godswill Akpabio.

The British envoy also listed the improved representation of women in parliament and the social safety net for Nigerians as priorities to be championed in the interest of the citizenry.

Montgomery said, “The reason why I’m here with my delegation for the courtesy call is that where possible, we would like to understand your vision, your priorities for the 10th National Assembly.

“We are watching your debate about issues like the state police, issues like promoting better representation for women in politics and parliament, issues like the palliatives and social safety nets that need to go alongside the difficult economic reforms, but very impressive economic reforms that are being undertaken.

“There may be other constitutional issues that you are debating that we need to understand. So, your Excellency, there are many other issues I could raise, but I want to come to an end and give you a chance to hear about your priorities, and also some of the issues and challenges that face the legislative agenda and debate over the next few years.

That said, the envoy pledged the readiness of the British Government to collaborate with its Nigerian counterpart in the areas of security and economic revival.

In his response, Akpabio thanked the British envoy for his input into promoting democratic governance in Nigeria .

“We value your inputs to democratic practice not just in Nigeria but in Africa,” the Senate President noted.

Montgomery’s calls barely a couple.od weeks after Nigeria’s Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun said the country was not ripe for State Police.

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