Catriona Laing, the British High Commissioner in Nigeria has said that regardless of the seeming setbacks that characterised the Presidential and National Assembly elections of Saturday, February 25th, Nigerians’ votes counted and Nigeria has every reason to be proud of the process.

The outgoing British envoy described the election as fascinating, noting that it rekindled hope of democratic governance in the country.

Speaking with Journalists on Monday in Abuja at the Senate wing of the National Assembly after a courtesy visit on Senator Ahmad Lawan, the Senate President, the British envoy said despite contestation regarding the process of the elections by some political actors, it was fascinating and portend bright future for the country.

The envoy said, ” I made very good friends, I love Nigerian music a lot. The culture here is so rich and secondly, the politics in Nigeria is so fascinating.

“I was here till the last election and I finished with this election and I’m impressed with Nigeria’s democratic journey.

“Yes, a bit setbacks. but overall, I see this as positive and Nigeria should be proud, but with a remarkable difference when I came in 2019.

“Nigeria is the biggest democracy in Africa. The world watches your progress to democracy.

“Though there were some disappointments in the last election, overall, every Nigerian should be proud because since 1999, Nigeria has been on the right track as far as participatory democracy is concerned.

“The election here is very different and fascinating as you are moving to three party system or maybe even four. I think Nigerians as well should realise that their votes count”, she said.

Aside election, the British Envoy who hailed Nigerians for being resilient at all times of difficulties when she said: “There had been some tough times. We had COVID-19, and insecurity has got a lot more since I was here. Nigerian people are incredibly resilient. I remain very optimistic about Nigeria’s future. So it’s been a very wonderful tour and very sad to be going.”

Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan who commended the British envoy on her positive disposition to the country, however, tasked her to help in strengthening bilateral relations between Nigeria and Britain.

Lawan said, ” Nigeria and Britain have come a long way in very cordial and diplomatic relations over the years, the tradition we believe, high rated diplomat like you can help to foster and strengthen.”

He wished her all the best in her future endeavours.