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

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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.

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2027: Ex-Lawmaker Urges Makinde Not to Contest Against Tinubu

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Jude Idimogu, a prominent chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State and former lawmaker, has cautioned Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde against considering a presidential run against President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 election.

Speaking in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, Idimogu, who also serves as the Deputy Leader of Ndigbo in Lagos APC, described such a move as a futile endeavor that would ultimately waste time and resources.

“The reality is that Governor Seyi Makinde cannot defeat President Bola Tinubu. Tinubu will secure re-election by God’s grace. Nothing will stop his victory,” Idimogu stated.

He further described President Tinubu as a strategic leader and “game changer” whose political prowess remains unmatched in Nigeria.

While acknowledging that Governor Makinde has the constitutional right to seek any elective office, Idimogu expressed doubt that Makinde would heed calls urging him to challenge Tinubu, especially given their cordial relationship.

Addressing the emergence of a potential opposition coalition ahead of 2027, the former lawmaker dismissed its chances of unseating Tinubu, asserting that no alliance could stand in the way of the president’s re-election.

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Tinubu’s Government Inherited almost No Project In South East, but there are many projects in southeast today —David Umahi

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“In the South-East, we inherited almost no project, but today, we have the Owerri to Onitsha road ongoing, the Enugu to Onitsha project is ongoing, and so is the Enugu to Abakaliki road.

“The Second Niger Bridge, serving both Delta and Anambra states, is also progressing steadily.”

Commending the president for prioritising infrastructure as a means to grow the nation’s GDP, Umahi said;

“Mr President, we may have challenges, but I must commend you very highly because you understand that it is the works sector that grows the GDP of a nation, upon which other sectors build. I feel privileged to work under you. You are a great man.”

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Nigerian Army Lacks Equipment to Combat Boko Haram – Governor Zulum

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Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised concerns over the Nigerian Army’s insufficient equipment in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. According to him, the insurgents are now leveraging advanced technology, putting Nigerian soldiers at a disadvantage.

“Recently, I met with the Chief of Army Staff who revealed that the Army needs 32 drones to effectively combat the insurgency,” Zulum said. “Each drone costs about $5.5 million. We must pool resources to acquire them and prioritize national security.”

The governor also stressed the importance of transparent procurement processes. “We need to focus on direct, government-to-government procurement of military equipment, both hardware and software, to ensure value for money,” he said. “Contractors often fail to deliver when funds are handed over to them.”

Zulum called for unity and cooperation between the federal and state governments. “If we are truly committed, this insurgency can be ended in six months. We must not politicize security issues. The Federal Government must listen and act.”

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