Scotland will remain part of the United Kingdom -- along with England, Wales and Northern Ireland -- following a historic referendum vote. A majority of voters rejected the possibility of Scotland breaking away and becoming an independent nation.

With 31 of 32 councils declared, the "No" campaign has won the referendum on Scottish independence.


Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond admitted defeat in Scotland's independence referendum Friday -- and urged the rest of Scotland to do the same.

In a televised statement, he thanked Scotland "for 1.6 million votes for Scottish independence."A turnout of 86% is one of the highest in the democratic world for any such vote, he said.

[Original story published at 12.37 p.m. ET]

Voters in Scotland made their choice Thursday -- remain part of the United Kingdom, or form their own independent nation. They chose to remain.

With 31 of 32 of councils reporting, the "No" campaign had garnered enough votes to secure their victory, and with it Scotland's continued place within the union.

The first councils to declare all went to the "No" campaign, as did the capital, Edinburgh, which voted overwhelmingly to stay in the union with 123,927 for "Yes" and 194,628 "No" votes. Argyll and Bute and Aberdeenshire also voted "No."

Glasgow delivered a solid win for the independence camp with 194,779 votes for "Yes," and 169,347 for "No," but lead was not big enough to overturn the "No" camp's overall majority so far, which maintains a 8% (54% to 46%) lead over pro-independence camp.http://edition.cnn.com/2014/09/18/world/europe/scotland-independence-vote/index.html?hpt=hp_t1

The Scots probably saw what happened when their fellow Scot left Man U (English Premier Club) and another was brought in naaaaa dem nor de tell blind man say rain de fall naaaaa

Then they must be a bunch of confusedfools

I hope those calling for the break-up of Nigeria can learn from this scottish referendum. Scotland is far more developed than most of the geo political zones clamouring for independence in Nigeria and still, they voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. If we put our acts together as a country, we are far better off as one big united country. Nigeria must remain a big, united and indivisible union. All we need to make it work is to vote for good leaders based on merit and not tribal/ religious sentiment.

seunmsg: I hope those calling for the break-up of Nigeria can learn from this scottish referendum. Scotland is far more developed than most of the geo political zones clamouring for independence in Nigeria and still, they voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. If we put our acts together as a country, we are far better off as one big united country. Nigeria must remain a big, united and indivisible union. All we need to make it work is to vote for good leaders based on merit and not tribal/ religious sentiment.

Well-said. Personalised opinion, related to our situation in Nigeria, may blind some to the existential reality of others many Nigerians know nothing about but the bottom line is that Scottish people embraced pragmatism to make their choice. Do you know, as one example only, the average Scottish home would have lost £30,000 of it's value if the yes vote had carried the day? Scotland would have to set up its own armed forces and host its own independent currency which would not be able to leverage on the strength, flexibility and convertibility of the pound sterling.

People need to understand fundamentally that this referendum has the absence of the overwhelming ethnic bitterness and self-defeating hatred which is the case with Nigeria. This is what has shaped the pro separatist/secessionist view of Nigeria that means they don't understand how Scots voted to remain in the union. the bottom line is that Scotland, after all is said and done, voted in favour of what they consider best for them for many reasons. Many Nigerians think others hold them back and will thus always support separation and a break down of Nigeria into smaller ethnically 'cohesive' nations .

Many Scots want independence but many also realise such may represent cutting your nose to spite your face. People refrained from giving in to ego and base hatred of others alone to discern what is also good and productive about the union. Many Scots looked at issues pragmatically and decided they were better off being part of a union they feel, even if imperfect, is a safer and better bet than going it alone. Ultimately, reality set in to show the majority that there is no going back on this once the yes vote for separation succeeds. I did not really have an opinion either way, as I feel it is Scottish folks who should decide what is best for them, but I think the 55% No vote shows people that stakeholders in this matter feel there interests are best served being part of a union.

This is a lesson for Nigerians clamoring for the dismemberment of our nation. Scotland after 307years still will stay with UK in hope sure of better days. Nigeria has a long road but it is achievable if our leaders eschew corruption, ethnic differences.

seunmsg: I hope those calling for the break-up of Nigeria can learn from this scottish referendum. Scotland is far more developed than most of the geo political zones clamouring for independence in Nigeria and still, they voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. If we put our acts together as a country, we are far better off as one big united country. Nigeria must remain a big, united and indivisible union. All we need to make it work is to vote for good leaders based on merit and not tribal/ religious sentiment.

"Gold must be tested by fire."
"The meat that has fat must proved it by heat of fire"

The Scottish people indeed have voted to stay with the union. But the emphasis here is the people, and must remain so. The facts were presented to them, possibilities were analysed, promises and concessions were offered. At the end of the day, the people decided - to stay with Union. The Union did not forced them, at gunpoint, to stick with it!

Until Nigerians have similar opportunity to confront their fears and make their decision, the forces and voices of disintegration will continue to be bolder and louder. Nigeria is untested, and the people are held in bondage by fear, distrust, and mutual suspicions. There are real issues and cannot be wished away on some illusion of sticking with giant Nigeria - a crippled giant!

United Kingdom have proved itself again to the Scots, Nigeria must prove itself to her (constituent) people, or sooner or later go to blazes!

Eghosa1: This is a lesson for Nigerians clamoring for the dismemberment of our nation. Scotland after 307years still will stay with UK in hope sure of better days. Nigeria has a long road but it is achievable if our leaders eschew corruption, ethnic differences.

My opinion too. We have to go about things the right way in Nigeria. Scotland will now get concessions which presents a better deal for Scottish people while they still remain part of a Nations that is one of the strongest in the world in every regard. What Nigerians should be doing is fighting the inordinate concentration of power and wealth in the centre and not each other. We should agitate for States to have more power and independent control over their own direction and pace of development.

The centre has entrenched us all in mediocrity even inspired State administration struggles to overcome. If we can take on the unwieldy centre and force a change which devolves power more productively to other tiers of our federation then we would be on course to gaining a Country that works well for majority of its citizens to the extent calls for secession would be redundant.

Good a thing the citizens were allowed to vote and decide their own fate; and not some pot-bellied representative collecting N12mil who plays chess with his laptop or dozes off intermittently.

Power belongs to the people, and the people must be allowed to exercise their rights to stay or leave.

Kudos to the scots.

MaziOmenuko: Good a thing the citizens were allowed to vote and decide their own fate; and not some pot-bellied representative collecting N12mil who plays chess with his laptop or dozes off intermittently.

Power belongs to the people, and the people must be allowed to exercise their rights to stay or leave.

Kudos to the scots.

Well Said Bro

seunmsg: I hope those calling for the break-up of Nigeria can learn from this scottish referendum. Scotland is far more developed than most of the geo political zones clamouring for independence in Nigeria and still, they voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. If we put our acts together as a country, we are far better off as one big united country. Nigeria must remain a big, united and indivisible union. All we need to make it work is to vote for good leaders based on merit and not tribal/ religious sentiment.

Scotland made their choice via referendum. Let Nigerians make theirs too.

I saw this coming. Cameron's speech worked!

seunmsg: I hope those calling for the break-up of Nigeria can learn from this scottish referendum. Scotland is far more developed than most of the geo political zones clamouring for independence in Nigeria and still, they voted to remain part of the United Kingdom. If we put our acts together as a country, we are far better off as one big united country. Nigeria must remain a big, united and indivisible union. All we need to make it work is to vote for good leaders based on merit and not tribal/ religious sentiment.

I agree 100000000%

Nigeria also is better together, but with devolved powers. The centre is too powerful...............It needs to change. The Scottish referendum is not an end , but a beginning. Not just for Scotland, but for each country that makes up the UK. It is only fair and democratic, that citizens/voters in England, Wales and Northern Ireland have a greater say over their own countries affairs too.

This may mean that Scotland loses some of the benefits it has enjoyed, but greater powers, means greater responsibility. So, I hope they don't start complaining.

People agitating for separation in Nigeria, need to have an informed debate about the realities of independence. I think this has not taken place yet. It is yet to go beyond a romantic vision. Scotland were able to hear from banks, EU, heads of business and industry about what is likely to be the cost to them of independence.

Nigerians just feel that other tribes are the cause of all their woes.........its delusional. The current system, and political attitude across the board, coupled with the lack of loyalty to both Nigeria and even their own region, is causing their woes.

Scottish people, whether they voted no or yes, had the best interest of Scottish people at heart and are fiercely loyal.

Nigerians are not really that way inclined, for the most part. Even in regions that are homogenous in tribe.

Good one for the Scottish and for the British government for allowing the referendum in the first place. Hope Nigeria takes a cue from this historic epoch making event. And in reference to what a wise man said, "the worse fear is when something isn't done to save a lingering tsunami". My quote actually. The Brits saw this and they took a right step to save the day. Kudos to them.

ChikeAndrew: I saw this coming. Cameron's speech worked!

Lol....unlike Nigeria, in the UK politics is not about one man.

In fact Cameron is not a liked figure in Scotland.....and to an extent in England.

Chiwude: Good one for the Scottish and for the British government for allowing the referendum in the first place. Hope Nigeria takes a cue from this historic epoch making event. And in reference to what a wise man said, "the worse fear is when something isn't done to save a lingering tsunami". My quote actually. The Brits saw this and they took a right step to save the day. Kudos to them.

Lol....could you imagine what a vote on a referendum would look like in Nigeria? Goats and chickens will be counted as voters. There would be missing ballot boxes found in shrines across Nigeria and bags of "vote no/vote yes" sacks of rice given out at rallies...............lol

It's still Nigeria we are talking about. The political maturity and machinery is just not there.

Can the people of Biafra learn from scotland referendum? They should drop their biafra agitation and join hands to build the Nigeria of their dream. I say Adieu to Biafra.

size38: Can the people of Biafra learn from scotland referendum? They should drop their biafra agitation and join hands to build the Nigeria of their dream. I say Adieu to Biafra.

The Nigerian government need to learn from the referendum. They need to learn to be responsive the their people and be willing to make CONCESSIONS regarding devolvement of power.

The right to agitate is the right of every citizen. If the vote would have been yes, it would have carried the day.

The UK and Scottish parliament allowed the process, which needed to take place. It is the Nigeran government that need to take note, if you ask me.

It is a lesson for all to demand what is best for you. Even if you dont get it all, you may get some change. You can't actually silence discontent. If we are honest, we have to admit that it is not just the people of the SE that are unhappy wth the present state of affairs regarding the power in the centre only.

size38: Can the people of Biafra learn from scotland referendum? They should drop their biafra agitation and join hands to build the Nigeria of their dream. I say Adieu to Biafra.

Yes the have learnt from Scotland, now give them a referendum to implement what they have learnt.

Kudos to the British govt for giving the Scots the chance of making a choice.

As Czech-Slovakia ,Serbia and Montenegro ,Sudan, the Scots have spoken.

Let same chance be given to the BIAFRANs and which ever group of people in Nigeria, to decide 'if' and 'if not' they wants out.

Collynzo17:
Yes the have learnt from Scotland, now give them a referendum to implement what they have learnt.

The regions that want a referendum, should ask for one.Has anyone asked for a referendum in Nigeria, as far as independence? I for one, feel there should be a call for devolved powers intead of independence.

Its up to Nigerians though.

99100: Kudos to the British govt for giving the Scots the chance of making a choice.

As Czech-Slovakia ,Serbia and Montenegro ,Sudan, the Scots have spoken.

Let same chance be given to the BIAFRANs and which ever group of people in Nigeria, to decide 'if' and 'if not' they wants out.

The countries you listed are in a mess economically,socially and even politically.If Biafra or any other region in Nigeria successfully secedes,they wouldn't fare any better than the countries you listed.Infact,there is a 300% chance they could end up worse than they already are

bigtt76: The Scots probably saw what happened when their fellow Scot left Man U (English Premier Club) and another was brought in naaaaa dem nor de tell blind man say rain de fall naaaaa

I just can't believe this silly post came from your brain(if you have any).Do what works for you by heading back to the sports section

traware: The countries you listed are in a mess economically,socially and even politically.If Biafra or any other region in Nigeria successfully secedes,they wouldn't fare any better than the countries you listed.Infact,there is a 300% chance they could end up worse than they already are

Czech,Serbia,,Slovakia are doing well. Their economy is very stable especially the former (Czech).

Google is your friend.


What about the 1991 Ukrainian/USSR referendum ? What is the fate of the Ukrainian economy today?

Adindupeter: Scotland made their choice via referendum. Let Nigerians make theirs too.

I don't think many Nigerians see and accept the reality of our very sad and backward situation which is that our leaders, because many are glorified self-serving crooks, are disconnected from the people and never to be found acting in their interest. The same leader who will go to the Village to deliver an ethnocentric "other tribes are keeping us down" speech will be the same person fighting tooth and nail at the centre against devolution of power because this works against the stupendous accumulation of wealth him and his cronies, from every ethnic group of Nigeria, are enjoying. Followers are fighting each other along ethnic and religious lines while unscrupulous and corrupt leaders are taking advantage of this to sustain a worthless central arrangement looting Nigeria hideously and impeding the progress of what should be one of the most advanced Nation on Earth and a beacon of hope for the black man.

Who will give Nigerians referendum and allow the results to stand? Who will supervise the devolution of power away from the centre that Nigeria needs badly? Your current greedy leaders chosen by a biased and innately prejudiced people who, unlike the Scots for example, do not even use the right criteria to make choices of leaders who will be willing to fight for what is in the best interest of the electorate? What took place in the UK is the culmination of political sophistication, sincerity and maturity Nigeria is not even close to.