To ask Her Majesty’s Government what steps they are taking to promote the continuation of stable democratic Government in Nigeria; whether in the absence of the President they are encouraging the military in Nigeria to remain outside politics and encouraging the political community to secure the smooth transfer of power to the Vice-President in accordance with the Nigerian constitution; and what is their assessment of the situation in Nigeria. [HL1411]

The UK continues to promote the continuation of stable democratic Government in Nigeria through supporting the expressed commitment of the Government of Nigeria to adhere to its constitution, as well as in the longer term through efforts such as the Department for International Development’s Deepening Democracy in Nigeria programme.

The importance of the constitution is a message that both my right honourable friend the Foreign Secretary and my noble friend Lady Kinnock have given to Foreign Minister Maduekwe in recent weeks, and that our High Commission in Abuja reiterates in all its contacts with Nigerian authorities, both civilian and military. We continue to wish President Yar Adua well for a speedy recovery. However it remains important that Nigerian authorities continue to focus on the job of government in the mean time. We are, meanwhile, very concerned about the recent violence and loss of life in Jos. Our High Commission in Abuja has made clear to the Nigerian federal and state authorities the need for those responsible to be held to account.