By Jonathan Lois
In a bid to deepen inter-parliamentary cooperation and foster stronger legislative relationships, the Nigeria–United States Parliamentary Friendship Group has extended its diplomatic outreach to the United Kingdom, following earlier exchange visits to Washington D.C., New York City, Utah, and Atlanta, Georgia.
During the UK leg of the tour, the Nigerian delegation held high-level engagements with members of the British Parliament, the House of Lords, and officials at the Commonwealth Secretariat, located at Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London. The visit aimed to consolidate the historic relationship between Nigeria and the United Kingdom by exploring shared legislative values, policy innovations, and best practices that support socio-economic development and good governance.
At the British Parliament and House of Lords, the delegation was warmly received by Rt. Hon. Professor David Alton, a veteran lawmaker who served 20 years in the House of Commons. Professor Alton expressed concern over reports of religious killings and persecution in Nigeria.
Responding to these concerns, the Chairman of the Nigeria–U.S. Parliamentary Friendship Group, Hon. Barr. Jesse Okey-Joe Onuakalusi, who represents Oshodi-Isolo I Federal Constituency in Lagos State under the Labour Party, acknowledged the gravity of the situation but clarified that many of the incidents portrayed as religiously motivated are in fact acts of criminality. He emphasized that Christians and Muslims in Nigeria generally coexist peacefully and harmoniously.
Hon. Onuakalusi also highlighted the importance of legislative collaboration between Nigeria and Britain, describing it as a strategic avenue for knowledge sharing, policy innovation, and institutional strengthening. He noted that such partnerships could play a vital role in advancing anti-corruption efforts, reinforcing judicial independence, improving electoral processes, and safeguarding human rights in both countries.
Before concluding their visit to the House of Lords, the Nigerian delegation toured the historic Westminster Hall, where Sir Thomas More—former Lord Chancellor of England, Speaker of the House of Commons, and author of Utopia—was tried and condemned to death on July 1, 1535.
At the Commonwealth Secretariat, the delegation met with Professor Luis G. Franceschi, Assistant Secretary-General of the Commonwealth. Prof. Franceschi, who has observed several Nigerian elections, including the most recent polls, expressed readiness to support initiatives aimed at strengthening legislative cooperation between Nigeria and the United Kingdom.
However, he voiced concerns over the credibility of Nigeria’s electoral process, citing recurring irregularities observed during election monitoring missions. In response, Hon. Onuakalusi stressed the urgent need to reform Nigeria’s Electoral Act. He advocated for a shift from manual collation to mandatory electronic transmission of election results, which he described as a critical measure to curb electoral fraud and restore public confidence in the democratic process.
The visit marks a significant step in Nigeria’s ongoing efforts to leverage international parliamentary relationships to strengthen its democratic institutions and promote sustainable development.
