The British Government has said it is interested in the July 14, 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State, adding that its conduct must not fall below acceptable standards.
The British Government said this on Monday when the Deputy British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Laure Beaufils, paid a courtesy visit to the State Governor, Chief Ayodele Fayose, at the Government House, Ado-Ekiti.
Beaufils, who was accompanied by her Political Adviser, Wale Adebanjo, also said Britain was also interested in regional integration as bring canvassed by state governments in the Southwest geopolitical zone.
The British envoy noted that since the Ekiti poll would precede the general elections in the country, nothing short of transparent, fair and credible poll would be acceptable.
While she expressed delight at the opportunity to learn some things about the state, she stated that Britain was interested in increasing trade with the country as a whole.
“This is my first time in Ekiti State. We are interested in how Ekiti develops. It is a great opportunity to learn certain things about the state. We want to increase trade and commerce with the state and Nigeria as a whole. We had a rich conversation with the governor and we are interested in regional integration and the coming election in the state,” she said.
In his remarks, Governor Fayose said the coming election in the state must not only be credible but conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.
Fayose used the occasion to call on the British Government not to fold arms and watch things go wrong on Nigeria.
He charged the British leadership to speak out when Nigerian leaders don’t do things right.
“It is important that we get it right as our poll precedes the general polls. We want peace in the country and for the country to stand united,” he added.
