British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Thomas Arkwright, yesterday said the United Kingdom was not in support of any agitation for Nigeria’s break up.

He denied the insinuation that the British government was supporting those calling for the break-up of the country, adding that the UK was, and would always support Nigeria’s unity.

Arkwright spoke in Ilorin, Kwara State during a courtesy visit to the state House of Assembly where he met with the Speaker, Dr Ali Ahmed and other principal officers of the house.

Some agitators had claimed that some powerful nations like the US and UK were backing their demand. The US government had also denied such claim.

“In a word, no, we don’t have anything to do with anyone agitating for break-up of Nigeria. We’re strongly in support of the unity of Nigeria and the federal government of Nigeria. And that’s what the British government has consistently supported and we don’t have interest or support any one agitating for the break- up of Nigeria. For anyone to say the British governmental is involved in any way in the break-up of Nigeria is completely wrong,” he said.

The envoy, who however described Nigeria’s democratic situation as delicate, commended the state government and House of Assembly on their efforts at upholding democratic tenets and keeping the flame of democracy alive.

He said the British government was interested in getting more Nigerian women engaged in politics, adding that he was happy with efforts of the state government and the House of Assembly in women participation, especially with women lawmakers holding leadership positions in the House.

He said the percentage of women in politics was low in Nigeria and charged the government to encourage more women in politics.

He added that his government would continue to collaborate with the state government on education and political development.

Daily Trust