Tinubu's UK trip: British intervention might have eased controversy over Nigerian harassment – Presidential spokesperson

Sunday Dare, Special Adviser to the President on Media and Communication, believes the United Kingdom's more thoughtful and informed involvement in global discussions about alleged religious persecution in Nigeria could have eased tensions and prevented speculation from influencing international opinions.

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This observation was made by Dare on his X platform on Sunday, ahead of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's planned visit to London on Tuesday, highlighting the need for a balanced and well-informed British perspective on Nigeria.

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The United Kingdom's long history of institutional knowledge about Nigeria, rooted in their deep political, economic, and institutional ties, makes their voice crucial in such debates, according to Dare.

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Nigeria, as Africa's largest democracy and one of its biggest economies, has a complex relationship with the United Kingdom, which sometimes appears detached when contentious narratives emerge, despite its strong understanding of the country's dynamics.

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Dare suggests that a renewed partnership between the two countries should go beyond trade and routine diplomatic visits, incorporating frank discussions and strategic alignment for mutual benefit.

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President Tinubu's visit to London is significant, as he engages a nation closely tied to Nigeria's trajectory through financial markets, diaspora networks, universities, and security institutions, Dare noted.

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The presidential aide draws a parallel between the importance of the United Kingdom and Nigeria's recent diplomatic engagement with Türkiye, where the president positioned Nigeria within global trade corridors.

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Dare views Britain as a crucial gateway to major global financial, technological, and diplomatic systems, and believes deeper collaboration could strengthen Nigeria's integration into these networks.

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The visit presents an opportunity for both countries to redefine their partnership and build stronger cooperation for the future, according to Dare.

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Dare emphasizes that the historical ties between Nigeria and the United Kingdom should evolve into a more robust strategic relationship that advances mutual interests.

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The goal now, Dare says, is to transform the bridge built by history into a highway to the future, highlighting the potential for a stronger and more meaningful partnership between the two nations.