Nigeria Not As Bad As Portrayed – British Envoy

Ado-Ekiti – Miss Laure Beaufils, the British Deputy High Commissioner to Nigeria, has said that Nigeria was not as bad as being portrayed in the eyes of the international community.

Miss Beaufils described Nigeria as a wonderful country whose citizens are creative and dynamic.

The diplomat urged politicians in the state to play the game according to the rules to ensure the successful conduct of the poll.

She spoke on Tuesday in Ado-Ekiti when she paid a courtesy visit to the management of a private radio station, Voice 89.9 FM.

Speaking while being hosted by Mr. Donald Falayi, the station’s General Manager, Miss Beaufils urged politicians and their supporters to conduct themselves in a peaceful manner in the build-up to the election.

The envoy said her country expected conduct of open and transparent primaries which would lead to credible election.

Beaufils called on the political players to dwell on issues and their manifestos rather than attacking personalities.

She said, “I believe the primaries should be open even though it will definitely be a tense period, people all over the country are looking forward to it.

“Politicians should dwell on issues, policies and manifestos rather than on personalities. The coming Ekiti election is a signal to the February 2019 general election.”

She noted that Nigeria was not as bad as being portrayed across the globe but pointed out that more efforts should be made to change the general perception.

Beaufils said there were positive stories to tell about Nigeria rather than corruption and Boko Haram which attract local and foreign media attention.

Earlier in his remarks, Falayi said the station has maintained neutrality in the coverage and reportage of events in the state in line with the broadcasting code.

Falayi said the station would give massive coverage to the Ekiti elections in all the 16 local government areas with the full complements of an Outside Broadcasting (OB) Van to be deployed in polling booths.

Source: Independent
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