Atiku Abubakar, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, has called for greater ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom in areas that benefit both countries.

When a British High Commission delegation led by High Catriona Laing met with Atiku at his Abuja residence, Atiku made the call.

The meeting addressed a wide range of issues including security, education, agriculture, the economy, and promoting national unity in Nigeria, according to a statement from Atiku’s media office.

The high commissioner went on to mention that the meeting with the former vice president was a part of the UK government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen democracy and hold fair elections in Nigeria.

Responding, Atiku said, “the bilateral ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom have a rich history and it is important for both countries to leverage on that to promote issues that are of mutual concern.”

In addition to expressing confidence that the 2023 presidential election will be free and fair, Atiku said he anticipates the United Kingdom taking a more active role in ensuring that democracy survives in Nigeria.

Regarding security, the PDP candidate bemoaned the dire situation in the nation and appealed for assistance from the UK, especially in terms of training and intelligence sharing.

Addressing the economy, the former vice president said that, if given the chance, he would, among other things, abolish the several exchange rate regimes and reduce taxes to aid real investments and encourage genuine manufacturers. To provide jobs for the growing population of the country, he also pledged to strengthen agriculture.

Furthermore, the PDP presidential candidate expressed concern over the lingering ASUU strike and the crisis in the educational sector.

He promised to carry out reforms in the education sector, including the reinvigoration of financial loan schemes for Nigerian students.

In a related development, Atiku has appointed Ms. Lynne Bassey as special assistant on Gender Issues and Women Advancement.

A statement signed by Paul Ibe, Media Adviser to Atiku says that the appointment is effective August 1, 2022.

Ms. Bassey is an alumnus of the both University of Calabar where she is currently pursuing a Doctorate in Development Sociology and the Pan Atlantic University, Lagos Business School.

Her appointment as Special Assistant will make the fifth to be announced by the PDP presidential candidate in the past few weeks.

According to the statement, “Ms. Bassey’s appointment is in keeping with the promise by Atiku Abubakar to reserve a good percentage of his appointment, if elected President, for women and youths.”