Foreign Office praises Jonathan’s commitment to fight corruption
The UK Government has commended the Government of Nigeria “on the smooth and constitutional succession of President Goodluck Jonathan,” following the death of President Yar'Adua on 5th May 2010.
In a response to Mr. Chuka Umunna, MP for Streatham and Vice Chair of the Nigeria All-Party Parliamentary Group, who asked foreign office ministers for their most recent assessment of the political situation in Nigeria, Mr. Alistair Burt, Parliamentary Under Secretary responsible for Africa and Asia praised recent developments in Nigeria. He said: “Since assuming the Presidency, President Jonathan has made welcome commitments on his determination to address corruption, conflict in the Niger Delta and in Nigeria’s middle-belt, and to bring about lasting electoral reform during his term as President.
“It will be vital for Nigeria that its government delivers on these commitments, particularly building on the reconstitution of the Independent National Electoral Commission, to achieve credible and peaceful Presidential and Gubernatorial elections in 2011. The UK, through the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Department for International Development and partners in the international community, are continuing to support Nigeria in these efforts.”
Mr. Umunna also tabled questions to ministers on UK development assistance to Nigeria. Following this, Parliamentary Under Secretary of State Stephen O’Brien stated that “Nigeria is a hugely important country to the development of Africa” and confirmed that aid programmes there were currently under review alongside all of Britain’s overseas development commitments.
Commenting, Mr. Umunna said: “Nigerian elections are due in 2011, and I hope the election process there will be able to run as smoothly as possible with democracy functioning fully and effectively. I will continue to press ministers here to ensure that Britain does all it can to provide whatever assistance Nigeria and its people ask for in this regard.”
Mr. Umunna was elected in May and was among the first ever Members of the UK Parliament of Nigerian descent. He was elected Vice Chair of the Nigeria All-Party Parliamentary Group in July.
