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Tag: Catriona Laing

  • British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing bids farewell to Nigeria

    British High Commissioner, Catriona Laing bids farewell to Nigeria

    Outgoing British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Her Excellency Catriona Wendy Laing, says she’s fascinated by Nigeria, particularly the music, dance, culture, and she’s had “a fabulous time here.”

    Malam Garba Shehu, the President’s spokesman in a statement, said the High Commissioner spoke on Wednesday during a farewell visit to President Muhammadu Buhari at State House, Abuja, after four-and-a half years tour of duty.

    She said: “I’m sad to be leaving. Nigeria is so much fun, I had a fabulous time here, and I’ll be back. I love the dance, the music, the culture. It’s been good to experience Nigeria.

    ”I’ve been to over 20 States, and I’ve told my successor to also do the same. I’ll be back, and still travel wider.”

    She congratulated the president for very successful eight years in office, saying he had done very well to hold the country together.

    The President said the UK is second home for many Nigerians, and relations between the two countries would continue to wax strong.

    “In fact, some wealthy Nigerians don’t feel complete till they’ve had a home in the UK,” he added.

    Buhari said he looked forward to retirement in Daura, Katsina State, after handing over on May 29, reiterating: “I’ll be as far away from Abuja as possible.”

    He lauded the UK for cooperation on many fronts, particularly in the rebuilding of the North East, hitherto ravaged by insurgency.

  • 2023: The World’s eyes will be on Nigeria, political parties must accept results – British Envoy

    2023: The World’s eyes will be on Nigeria, political parties must accept results – British Envoy

    British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has urged political parties to accept and respect the results of the forthcoming 2023 general elections and refrain from actions that would instigate post-election violence.

    Laing made this known while addressing newsmen on Thursday in Abuja, noting that the United Kingdom is fully in support of Nigeria’s political process.

    Laing urged the candidates and political parties to resort to the judiciary if they feel the process was not fair enough and wish to contest the results.

    The British Envoy also noted that the elections was not only important to Nigeria but West Africa, and the rest of the world, especially with the backsliding of democracy in the West African sub-region.

    “The election in Nigeria is really important, not just for all of you as Nigerian citizens, but for this region, West Africa where sadly, we have seen a lot of democratic backsliding, and for the world.

    “The World’s eyes will be on Nigeria, and are on Nigeria and what happens here will send a very strong signal.

    “Following the last elections, we have continued to invest in trying to create the right conditions for a free and fair, secured election, recognizing of course that it is a job for Nigeria.

    “But we try to play our part so we work very closely with INEC, Civil Societies, to ensure that they are fit for the purpose.

    “The head of the political parties in particular must commit to respect the outcomes of the votes and signal that to all of their supporters.

    “And if indeed they are going to contest anything, it should be done through the judicial process, not through any violence.

    “And so, the Peace accord which was signed on the 29th of September is so important and I am very pleased to see that there will be a second signing on the 23rd of February and I will be there representing the UK.

    “The UK remains absolutely in step with you as you continue your democratic journey,” Laing said.

    Laing said that following her engagements with the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the UK government is confident of the process.

    She said that the new Electoral laws and the Bimodal Voter Accreditation System (BVAS) have further increased the confidence of Nigerian citizens in the system.

    Laing, however, expressed the fear of the UK government on voter’s suppression as she further appealed to political parties and the candidates against any form of voters’ suppression.

    The British Envoy said that President Muhammadu Buhari has also said on countless occasions that handing over to a successor through a peaceful election would be his biggest legacy.

    “In terms of INEC’s preparation, we are very confident that INEC has prepared early and is in good shape.

    “The security forces, from my discussions with the IGP, and others are also committed to play the impartial role they need to play.

    “We will be watching this closely and it is very important that these elections take place on time.

    “If it is brought to our attention, of where and where directly, that they are people inciting violence, moving hate speeches, or conducting violent acts, we will use our visa policies to restrict such individual’s ability to enter the UK.

    “Another thing we are worried about is post-election violence. As we saw in the past, I cannot remember the year, if any one of the party’s supporters feels this election is stolen, my candidate should have won, there is a risk of violence.

    “It is very important for Nigeria’s democracy that the people respect the result because that is the hallmark of democracy, somebody wins, somebody loses.

    “And if you feel for any reason the election in your area was not credible, transparent, there is a process and that is the court.

    “What will be tragic for Nigeria on this crucial democratic journey where you have been making great strides is if there is a repeat of the 2011 wide-spread post-election violence,” Laing added.

  • Russia-Ukraine war will end on Ukraine’s terms – British envoy

    Russia-Ukraine war will end on Ukraine’s terms – British envoy

    British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing, has said the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, which she describes as an “invasion on Ukraine by Russia” will end on Ukraine’s terms.

    This is also as Laing said the UK government was standing by Ukraine hundred per cent by providing military and humanitarian support, and helping with the reconstruction of Ukraine.

    Laing said this on Sunday in Abuja.

    “So, everyone of course wants this to end, but the UK position is clear. This has to end when Ukraine feels ready to end it.

    “We are 100 per cent supporting Ukraine. They’re fighting for all of us; for them, fighting for freedom for defense of democracy; for the UN, the principles of the UN, they are taking huge losses.

    “And yes, there are consequences and through high food, fuel and fertiliser prices, we are all suffering. It is Russia that is responsible for those consequences.

    “So, of course, we want it to end but it must end on the right terms. We are supporting Ukraine but this is not our war.

    “You know, Russia has invaded Ukraine and we and the U.S are providing military support with the whole of NATO standing behind Ukraine.

    “We’re also providing humanitarian support and we’re on standby to help Ukraine’s reconstruction.

    “But it must be for Ukraine, as a sovereign country that has been invaded, to determine the outcome and the time they want to start negotiations. That must be their decision,” Laing said.

    Laing added that Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was a violation of international law under UN Charter, which had been condemned by many countries.

    “It is absolutely horrific to see what is happening. It is a violation of international law under UN Charter.

    “We have had two UN resolutions, one was when the invasion first happened in the United Nations General Assembly, and one last month.

    “And Nigeria voted in support of those resolutions on both occasions, in recognition that this is a violation of the UN Charter. So, I think Russia is isolated basically.

    “And you see what’s happening at the G20 Summit at the moment. Not surprisingly, Putin has not gone, he sent his Foreign Minister Lavrov.

    “And every single one of those countries around the table, including India and China, are criticising Russia and saying this is not acceptable,” Laing said.

    On presumptions that the sanctions against Russia were not working, Laing said the sanctions were strong and working against Russia, which could also be seen in its declining economy.

    “They are working to the extent that you know, Russia’s economy as we can actually see is in massive recession. So, it is having an impact.

    “I think it is true that Russia is still selling oil in certain parts of the world.

    “So, of course, they will try and bypass, but I do not think it is correct to say the sanctions are not working.

    “Sanction is just one tool that we have, you know, and it will never on its own solve this problem, but it does raise the cost for Russia, and at least over time.

    “I think it will give them cause for thought as to how long they can sustain this from an economic point of view,” Laing said.

  • UK encouraging return of Nigerian artefacts – High Commissioner

    UK encouraging return of Nigerian artefacts – High Commissioner

    British High Commissioner to Nigeria Catriona Laing has said that the United Kingdom is encouraging institutions and facilities in possession of the Benin artefacts to return them to Nigeria.

    Laing made this known on Sunday in Abuja, stating that the UK government has facilitated the return of many of the artefacts.

    She said that the UK is also in talks with Nigerian authorities on how they can reach an agreement to protect the Benin bronzes.

    “In terms of the returns, in the UK, we have a slightly different system in some countries. So, it is the individual Museum, the trustees of that museum, who decide on whether they can return or want to return artifacts.

    “So for example, the Horniman Museum in the UK recently returned 72 Benin artifacts, Cambridge University returned the cockerel, called The Okukor, a beautiful cultural heritage.

    “So we are encouraging them to think actively about this. They are obviously. When something is returned, it has to obviously be put into a place where we can ensure that it will be well protected.

    “So what they’re doing in Benin City is building beautiful new museum which is under the guidance of the famous Scanian architect, but it will be a wonderful museum.

    “And I think another idea that is being considered, and this is what the governor is thinking about. It is that the ownership can transfer to the Government of Nigeria, but they will then lend back to say the British Museum.

    “So you flip it around because obviously there’s so many of these, and you would not have the ability to accommodate all of them.

    “And that can be a win win because lots of people could still see the artifacts, whether here or in London, but the ownership could transfer, that’s an idea that’s been discussed.

    “Well, there’s been a proposition from the governor. So it’s an ongoing debate, but I know Germany and many other countries are now really moving quite fast to return a number of these beautiful Benin bronzes,” Laing said.

  • UK Diplomat meets Nigeria’s Attorney General over Twitter ban

    UK Diplomat meets Nigeria’s Attorney General over Twitter ban

    United Kingdom Diplomat, Ms. Catriona Laing, who is the High Commissioner of Great Britain in Nigeria on Thursday met with Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami.

    The meeting which lasted for almost an hour discussed bilateral issues relating to amongst others the suspension of Twitter in the country.

    Malami said the government has established a committee on the matter and that the company has approached the government over the issue.

    He maintained that the interest of Nigeria matters most for any company that wants to do business in the country.

    “If you want to operate as a business entity in Nigeria, you must do so within the context of Nigerian laws. Nothing offensive or that breaches the Nigerian laws should be entertained”.

    Malami said public interest has been the uppermost consideration within which the context of freedom of expressions should be regulated

    He noted that reasonable restrictions to freedom of expressions are locally and internationally recognized.

    “Our government is not averse to freedom. Freedom is not borderless.

    “Freedom of expression must not be used in such a manner that incites citizens to violence or calls for an overthrow of a democratically elected government.

    “There are bounds to freedom within the laws,” he said.

    Meanwhile, in her remarks, the British High Commissioner thanked the Minister for clarifying on the matter.

  • BREAKING: UK to return £4.2m recovered from Ibori in 2 weeks

    BREAKING: UK to return £4.2m recovered from Ibori in 2 weeks

    Government of the United Kingdom (UK) will in two weeks time return to Nigeria the sum of £4.2 million recovered from James Ibori, a former Governor of Delta State.

    The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami made this known on Tuesday in Abuja, the federal capital territory (FCT).

    According to Malami, the money would be used for the construction of the second Niger Bridge, Abuja-Kano road, and Lagos-Ibadan Express road.

    This is coming as the UK government and the Nigerian government on Tuesday signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the repatriation of the money.

    Addressing journalists at the signing event, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing said the money was recovered from friends and family members of the former governor.

    She lamented that many Nigerians were in the habit of siphoning money from the country to the UK, saying that has also affected the level of trust between the two countries.

    Laing, however, warned that the UK will no longer be used as a destination for looters to siphon proceeds of crimes.

    TNG reports the MoU was signed at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Justice.

    Laing, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, stressed ill-gotten money is not welcome in the UK.

    “The return of these assets to Nigeria has been subject to a number of hard fought legal challenges by third parties which were defeated in the UK courts.

    “We will ensure the full weight of law enforcement to crack down those who use, move or hide their proceed of crime in the UK,” Laing said.

    Recall that in February 2012, Ibori pleaded guilty in a UK court to money laundering, conspiracy to defraud and forgery and was sentenced to 13 years in prison.

    Some of his associates and family members also received sentences for similar offences.

    The Commissioner said that transparent asset recovery is priority for both UK and Nigeria governments.

    “It is vital that this agreement makes strong provision for transparency, monitoring and accountability.

    “It is a guiding principle of both UK and Nigerian governments that stolen assets should be used for projects that benefit Nigeria’s poor”, she said.

    Meanwhile, Malami also stated that the federal government is committed to ensuring the transparent management of all recovered assets.

    “The assets returned will support and assist in expediting the construction of three major infrastructure projects across Nigeria.

    “The projects are the Lagos-Ibadan expressway, Abuja – Kano road and the second Niger Bridge that are being executed under the supervision of the Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority.

    “The project will boost economic growth and help alleviate poverty by connecting people and supply chains from the East to the West and to the Northern part of Nigeria”.

    Also speaking, Mr Dayo Apata, SAN, the Solicitor-General of the Federation, while welcoming the guests said the ministry has fully assumed its leadership role in its constitutional duty in the administration of Justice in Nigeria.

    “It has led to the formulation of National Strategies/Action Plan for combating corruption.

    “Vigorous pursuing repatriation of recovered looted funds/assets in the face of daunting challenges.

    “Drafting of Bills to stifle corrupt practices and to bring about and efficient and beneficial management of the proceeds of crime amongst others”.

  • Nigeria excites new British High Commissioner

    Nigeria excites new British High Commissioner

    British High Commissioner designate to Nigeria, Catriona Laing has expressed excitement at the prospect of working in the country.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Laing, who was in June announced replacement for Paul Arkwright, is expected to assume office this week.

    “I was thrilled when I heard the news of my posting to Nigeria. My predecessor, Paul Arkwright, has told me how fantastic the country is.

    “I can’t wait to get started. I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’ll catch up fast as Naija no dey carry last,” the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria said.

    Already, the British High Commission in Nigeria has expressed optimism to warmly welcome the newly appointed High Commissioner.

    “We are carrying on but can’t keep calm! It’s an exciting time for us as we look forward to welcoming the newly appointed High Commissioner,” the Commission had said.

    In 2014, Laing was appointed Ambassador to Zimbabwe.

    At this post, she was recognized for always encouraging young Zimbabweans, particularly women, to challenge themselves and take on new challenges.

    Born Catriona Wendy Campbell Laing, and married to Clive David Nicholas Bates with one daughter, she will represent Her Majesty The Queen and the UK government in Nigeria.

    Laing will be responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates in the country, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.

     

  • Buhari full of praise for Arkwright, ex-British High Commissioner to Nigeria

    President Muhammadu Buhari during the send off ceremony for Mr Paul Arkwright was full of praise for the former British High Commissioner to Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Arkwright spent three years as British High Commissioner to Nigeria in the country.

    “Nigeria enjoyed excellent relations with the United Kingdom during your time as High Commissioner, HC Paul T. Arkwright.

    “As President @MBuhari remarked, your energy and warmth have been remarkable. We wish you the best in your future endeavors,” the Presidency stated on Sunday.

    Arkwright was announced British High Commissioner to Nigeria in July 2015 and took up his appointment in September 2015, succeeding Sir Andrew Pocock KCMG, who retired from the Diplomatic Service.

    The former British High Commissioner to Nigeria took to Twitter to express his gratitude to President Buhari for the warm send off.

    “A wonderful way to end my 3 years as High Commissioner. @ClarenceHouse thanks for visiting Nigeria. @MBuhari thanks for the warm send off. To all my followers thanks for your interest. A fascinating and fun stay in #Naija. Go well. @UKinNigeria,” he tweeted.

    Arkwright, who is expected to be transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment, would be replaced by Ms Catriona Laing before the end of November.

    “My successor as High Commissioner is @CatrionaLaing1 who will arrive later this month. Please follow her for more news on @UKinNigeria,” Arkwright also tweeted.

    Ms Laing, who, until her appointment as British High Commissioner to Nigeria was British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, was announced replacement for Arkwright in June.

    Born Catriona Wendy Campbell Laing, she is married to Clive David Nicholas Bates with one daughter.

    The Ambassador will represent Her Majesty The Queen and the UK government in Nigeria and she will be responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates in the country, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.

    While Laing has edited her Twitter bio to “British High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria. Former British Ambassador to Zimbabwe”, Arkwright has edited his to “Former British High Commissioner to Nigeria”.

     

  • Paul Arkwright thanks President Buhari for warm send off

    Mr Paul Arkwright has thanked President Muhammadu Buhari for the warm send off after spending 3 years as British High Commissioner to Nigeria in the country.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Arkwright, now Former British High Commissioner to Nigeria, took to Twitter to express his gratitude to the President.

    “A wonderful way to end my 3 years as High Commissioner. @ClarenceHouse thanks for visiting Nigeria. @MBuhari thanks for the warm send off. To all my followers thanks for your interest. A fascinating and fun stay in #Naija. Go well. @UKinNigeria,” he tweeted.

    Arkwright was announced British High Commissioner to Nigeria in July 2015 and took up his appointment in September 2015, succeeding Sir Andrew Pocock KCMG, who retired from the Diplomatic Service.

    Arkwright, who is expected to be transferred to another Diplomatic Service appointment, would be replaced by Ms Catriona Laing before the end of November.

    “My successor as High Commissioner is @CatrionaLaing1 who will arrive later this month. Please follow her for more news on @UKinNigeria,” Arkwright tweeted.

    Ms Laing, who, until her appointment as British High Commissioner to Nigeria was British Ambassador to Zimbabwe, was announced replacement for Arkwright in June.

    Born Catriona Wendy Campbell Laing, she is married to Clive David Nicholas Bates with one daughter.

    The Ambassador will represent Her Majesty The Queen and the UK government in Nigeria and she will be responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates in the country, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.

    While Laing has edited her Twitter bio to “British High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria. Former British Ambassador to Zimbabwe”, Arkwright has edited his to “Former British High Commissioner to Nigeria”.

     

  • Laing replaces Arkwright as British High Commissioner to Nigeria

    Laing replaces Arkwright as British High Commissioner to Nigeria

    Ms Catriona Laing will before the end of November replace Mr Paul Arkwright as British High Commissioner to the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    TheNewsGuru (TNG) reports Ms Laing was in June announced replacement for Mr Arkwright, who was announced British High Commissioner to Nigeria in July 2015.

    Arkwright, who took up his appointment in September 2015, succeeded Sir Andrew Pocock KCMG, who retired from the Diplomatic Service.

    Laing, the new British High Commissioner to Nigeria, until her appointment was British Ambassador to Zimbabwe.

    She is born Catriona Wendy Campbell Laing, and married to Clive David Nicholas Bates with one daughter.

    The Ambassador will represent Her Majesty The Queen and the UK government in Nigeria and she will be responsible for the direction and work of the Embassy and its Consulates in the country, including political work, trade and investment, press and cultural relations, and visa and consular services.

    Meanwhile, Laing has edited her Twitter bio to “British High Commissioner Designate to Nigeria. Former British Ambassador to Zimbabwe” and Arkwright has edited his to “Former British High Commissioner to Nigeria”.