Ayodele Olalere
The Oba of Lagos, HRM Rilwan Akiolu has called on the British government to assist Nigeria in writing off its foreign debt so the country could grow.
Akiolu made the plea on Wednesday when the Captain of the British Royal Navy, Lindsey Wigmore, paid him a courtesy visit in his place at Idunganran, Lagos.
Oba Akiolu noted that the British handed a good and well organised administrative structure to Nigeria after independence but lamented that the Nigerian government has not been able to build on the legacy left behind by the colonial masters.
“The British are wonderful in upholding the rule of law. Help us tell your government to see what they can do to assist in writing off our debt as a country and as well as assist us in developing our country,” Akiolu said.
Akiolu noted that Nigeria has the highest population in Africa for business and investment to thrive and asked the British government and citizens to increase their investment in Nigeria.
The monarch also urged Nigerians to pray for their leaders rather than raining curses and abuses on them.
“We should pray for our leaders and should not be cursing them because as you make your bed, so you will lay on it.”
He expressed optimism that things would get better in the country.
“All is going to be well with all of us in this country. The truth is that what we did in the past contributed to the problem of today.”
He also urged Nigerians to simplify their lifestyle adding that ‘some Nigerians have about three to five telephones and could speak on phone for one hour.’
On the part of the government, Akiolu further said the government needs to take decisive action against those vandalizing public property and facilities to serve as a deterrent.
“The hard earned money used to build infrastructure is being damaged, it should not be so. We need to take some sound measures to put things in order.”
In his response, Wigmore said his visit to Nigeria is about collaboration to ensure better maritime security along the West Africa corridor.