Politics
Wike To EU: Support Nigeria’s Economy, Don’t Interfere In Our Politics
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyeosm Wike has urged the European Union (EU) to support Nigeria’s efforts grow her economy and not interfere with the country’s internal affairs.
Wike stated this when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Isopi, visited him in his office in Abuja on Monday.
Speaking on the EU Election Observation Mission Report on the 2023 General Elections, the minister expressed his reservation on the position of the EU, which he described as “interference” with the internal affairs of Nigeria.
He particularly said that the EU mission’s position that the government stifled the opposition was inaccurate considering that it did not have adequate personnel to cover the whole country.
“Even though we have passed that era, I sincerely do not agree with the European Union on its stand on the past election in Nigeria.
“I do seriously take exception to its stand because we thought there is no need for you to interfere in Nigeria.
“Rather, you observe and make a recommendation, but your interference came when there were election petition tribunals going on.
“Take Rivers state for example. I ask. How many of you were in Rivers State to visit the 6,886 – or thereabouts – polling units?
“If you saw some infractions in about 20 polling units, is that enough to make a general conclusion?
“I felt that as the sitting governor, you were trying to indict me for not allowing the state to have a free democratic process. And that is not the correct thing to do,” he added.
The minister, however, stressed that the priority now should be how the EU can support Nigeria to grow her economy and create jobs to improve the lives of the citizens.
Responding, Mr Isopi explained that the report on the outcome of the elections was a product of the European Union Election Observation Mission.
She added that the independent observer mission deployed by the EU was at the request of the Nigerian government.
“The purpose of the mission, and many other missions in other countries, is to assess the process of the elections in tandem with international agreements and treaties signed and ratified by Nigeria.
“The purpose was not to determine whether the elections were legitimate or not but to analyse the process and afterwards make recommendations.
“And the report offered 26 recommendations,” she said.
Ogun Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has assured the people of Waterside Local Government that his administration would not cede any part of the state to other states in the country.
Governor Abiodun gave the assurance at a meeting with representatives of the local government, made up of traditional rulers, technocrats, and prominent government functionaries, at Government House, Abeokuta.
The former Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Segun Awonusi, said the governor has taken note of reported incursions into parts of the state from neighbouring states and has taken steps to address the issue.
Prof. Awonusi said: “We have come here to discuss the affairs of the local government with the governor. We appreciate him for what he has done so far, and we urge him to do more.
“Because of reports of incursions from Lagos and Ondo states on Ode-Omi and Makun to seize parts of our land, the governor has promised that he will ensure that not an inch of Ogun State is lost to any other state.
“He has also promised to provide adequate security so that our people can live in peace.”
Two days ago, Benue State Governor, Rev Fr Hyacinth Alia, suspended the State Attorney General, Barr. Fidelis Mynin.
His Offense? The Attorney General joined the suit challenging the legality of EFCC, ICPC and NFIU without INFORMING the governor.
Benue State joined the suit on October 8, 2024, with 14 other States. This was widely reported in the media.
On October 22, the matter came up again at the Supreme Court.
On Wednesday, October 23, Benue State Governor suspended the Attorney General of the State, claiming that he was not aware of the State joining the suit.
The newly-inaugurated Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Kudirat Motomori Olatokunbo Kekere-Ekun, vowed on Monday in Abuja that obedience to court orders will not be negotiable under her watch.
She said that no individual or institution, irrespective of their standing, would be permitted to treat judgments of the court with levity or disregard.
The CJN spoke on the occasion of the commencement of the 2024/2025 legal year and the inauguration of the 87 new Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs) held at the Supreme Court.
Justice Kekere-Ekun stated that the judiciary stands resolute in ensuring that the sanctity of legal decisions is upheld in line with the rule of law.
To achieve this new narrative, the CJN canvassed that all hands must be on deck in fostering an unwavering commitment to the full enthronement of the rule of law.
“Disobedience to court orders or non-compliance with judicial directives is a direct affront to democracy and an invitation to anarchy.
“As such, it is critical that we respect and observe all the features of an enduring democracy, for in doing so, we maintain the delicate balance that sustains our society.”
“Let us, therefore, work together collectively and tirelessly to ensure that Nigeria continues to abide by the rule of law, upholds the best democratic practices, and remains vigilant in the protection of citizens’ rights.
“The rights of every Nigerian must be valiantly safeguarded against oppression and impunity, utilizing the full array of legal instruments at our disposal.”
Maintaining that a new dawn and a new era in the Nigerian judiciary has come with her appointment, Justice Kekere-Ekun assured Nigerians of her commitment to work diligently to improve public perception of the judiciary.
According to her, “Over the years, various factors have contributed to the negative image of the judiciary. However, we are determined to change the narrative and make the judiciary a source of pride for all Nigerians.”
“When the legal compass of a nation falters, everything suffers, including public and international perception.”
“The attitude of some of us in the justice sector is sometimes less than salutary, and that has contributed to the current image deficit of the country’s legal system.”
The CJN condemned the forum shopping by some lawyers, which she claimed has led to the emergence of conflicting orders by courts of coordinated jurisdiction.
To address this ugly trend, the CJN vowed that there will be consequences for any act of indiscretion that could bring the judiciary to disrepute
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