Blair: World anxious about Nigeria’s 2011 elections

The international community is expecting a lot from Nigeria’s general elections next year, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair has said.

“Everyone, including the international community, is expressing a great deal of interest, a great deal of excitement for the elections and everyone is anxious for the elections to be conducted in the best possible way,” Blair told journalists at the Presidential Villa in Abuja after a visit to President Goodluck Jonathan.

“I think the preparations are going on and expectations are high around Nigeria, which is a great thing. Back in the West, things are pretty difficult politically, difficult economically. There is a hugely enhanced interest in Africa and in Nigeria. There is a lot of hope and excitement,” Blair said.

The former British leader told President Jonathan during their meeting that the Nigerian government is enjoying the support of the international community.