By Nifemi Adefemi
(with Agency reports)
Former UK Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, has expressed confidence in Nigeria’s ability to defeat terrorism in the country.
Johnson who spoke at the 16th Session of the Emmanuel Onyechere Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Lecture Series held in Lagos, said that the UK, having dealt with terrorists in the past, is ready to offer assistance to Nigeria in the fight against terrorism.
The lecture’s theme was ‘Rehumanising Human Experience: A Synopsis Of Anyiam-Osigwe’s Treatises’, and it attracted other speakers like Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, President-elect Bola Tinubu, former Commonwealth Secretary General, Emeka Anyaoku, and Coordinator General of the Osigwe Anyiam-Osigwe Foundation, Charles Osigwe.
Johnson, who was the guest speaker, expressed his awareness of the problems that Nigeria is facing and how lives are being lost, and he affirmed that the bandits and terrorists could be defeated, and law and order would eventually prevail. He added that the UK is always ready to help, citing London as one of the safest big cities in the world.
He also used the opportunity to emphasize the importance of democracy and the need for freedom, security, democracy, openness, and tolerance to achieve urban success, deliver equality, and unleash potential.
Johnson concluded by urging the UK and Nigeria, two great democracies with so much history in common, to work together more closely, especially at a time when the world is so uncertain.
Other dignitaries present at the event included the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi; former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, former Lagos State Commissioner for Transport, Muiz Banire, and the Anyiam-Osigwe brothers.