By EMEKA AGINAM

MEMBER of Parliament and United Kingdom Minister for Africa, Henry Bellingham, has said that Nigeria can set an example of transparency, credibility and dignified, peaceful democracy in the 2011 general elections which begins tomorrow.

The events over the course of the 2011 elections in Nigeria, he said  would  have huge significance for Africa, the region and globally.

According to him, the UK will continue to be here to help Nigeria meet that challenge, in partnership with whichever government Nigerians elect through a credible process.

He said: “That is a choice for Nigerians, and Nigerians alone to make. To Nigeria’s leaders, its politicians, elders, traditional and religious figures, I have just one message: it is your duty to your people to embrace this chance to place Nigeria as the champion of African democracy.

“ And to Nigeria’s electorate; 73 million of you have registered to vote: it is your duty to your children and future generations to seize this opportunity and use your vote to choose leadership that presents the best vision for the future of Nigeria.

“And new elections in Nigeria are now upon us. In a year where national_level elections will take place in 20 countries across the African continent.”