Connect with us

Politics

Wike To EU: Support Nigeria’s Economy, Don’t Interfere In Our Politics

Published

on


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.

Continue Reading
Click to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Politics

Douye Diri Orders Autopsy To Reveal Cause Of Bayelsa Deputy Governor’s Death

Published

on

Bayelsa State Governor, Douye Diri, has ordered a full autopsy to determine the exact cause of death of the state’s Deputy Governor, bringing clarity to an incident that has left the government and residents in deep shock.

The directive, announced shortly after the tragic development, underscores the governor’s commitment to transparency and due process. By mandating a medical examination, the state government aims to dispel speculation, address public concerns, and establish the facts surrounding the deputy governor’s sudden passing.

As condolences continue to pour in from across the country, Governor Diri urged Bayelsans to remain calm and respectful while investigations are ongoing. He assured the public that the findings of the autopsy would be communicated appropriately, as the state mourns the loss of a key leader and reflects on the legacy of service left behind.

Continue Reading

Foreign

Goodluck Jonathan Reportedly Stranded in Guinea-Bissau After Sudden Military Takeover

Published

on

Former Nigerian President Goodluck Jonathan is reportedly stranded in Guinea-Bissau following the military’s announcement of a takeover on Tuesday.

Jonathan, who travelled to the country as part of an international election observation mission, was expected to oversee the release of official results before the unexpected shift in power disrupted all movement. Sources say he and other foreign observers are currently unable to leave as security restrictions tighten across the capital.

The situation has sparked concern among regional stakeholders, with diplomatic channels said to be monitoring developments closely. So far, neither Jonathan nor Nigerian authorities have issued an official statement on his safety or plans to return.

The unfolding political tension in Guinea-Bissau continues to draw global attention, especially as the fate of the election results remains unclear.

Continue Reading

Foreign

China Reaffirms Commitment to Supporting Nigeria’s Fight Against Terrorism

Published

on

China has restated its readiness to continue supporting Nigeria in the ongoing fight against terrorism and efforts to maintain national stability.

Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Yu Dunhai, gave the assurance after a meeting with the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, on Thursday.

In a statement shared via X, the ambassador said China “firmly supports” the Nigerian government’s development strategies that align with the country’s realities and long-term goals.

Dunhai also emphasized that China remains opposed to any external interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs “under the pretext of religion and human rights.”

The meeting further strengthened diplomatic ties between both nations, with discussions centered on security collaboration and sustainable development.

Continue Reading

Trending