Obey The Rule Of Law, British Envoy Tells Shi’ites, Security Agencies
The outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Paul Arkwright , has called on the Islamic Movement in Nigeria ( Shi ’ ites ) and security agencies to obey the rule of law in their activities .
He stated that the group should exercise their rights to protest peacefully , adding that security agencies should also respect the rule of law .
Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Thursday , Arkwright expressed hope that the move by the government to investigate the clashes between the group and security forces would would help handle such situations in the future.
He said , “Just as the IMN must obey the rule of law by using their rights to demonstrate peacefully , and the key word here is peacefully , so also it is important for the security forces in Nigeria to respect the rule of law. ”
Arkwright said that the clashes between herdsmen and farmers were not based on religious.
He attributed the crisis to the issues of climate change and desertification , noting that Tuesday’ s meeting between the visiting Prince of Wales , Prince Charles , and traditional rulers had further confirmed the reasons for the crisis.
He said, “This is a conflict that is driven by complex reasons of climate change, pressure on resources , land and desertification of Northern Nigeria .”
The envoy said population explosion management and sustainable economic development remained , among other things, the focal point of the British government’ s engagement with Nigeria .
The envoy described his stay in Nigeria as memorable , adding that the UK government would continue to support the fight against corruption by the Federal Government.
Arkwright’ s successor , Catriona Laing , is expected to resume in the country on November 26 .
Copyright PUNCH .
