International
EU Parliament Observers Advocate Prosecution of Election Offenders
EU Parliament Observers Advocate Prosecution of Election Offenders
By: Michael Mike
The European Union (EU) Parliament Observation delegation to Nigeria have advocated for punishment to be melted out on election offenders, insisting that
perpetuators of violent acts during the election must be brought to justice.
Ms. Evin Incir, Head of the EU Parliament Observation Mission to Nigeria made the call on Thursday when she led the team of the EU Parliament on a visit to Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama in Abuja.
Incir, while responding to questions from Journalist on her take on pockets of pre-election violence in the country few hours after the signing of the Peace Accord by Political parties and their candidates. There can never be impunity wherever violence takes place. So that is something that we continue stressing. And we hope that this will not take place more.”
On the EU Parliament’s Observation Mission, She said that the European Union is eager to support in all ways possible for Nigeria to achieve free, fair and credible elections.
She said: “Nigeria is a close friend. partner, ally to the European Union and this is also a commitment of many years back.
“We have been sending and will continue sending Observation mission. EU Parliament Observation Mission conduct together with the EU Commission.
“We are eager to help out in the way we can and live up to our expectation in the way we can to ensure that on behalf of the Nigerian people.
“We are happy to hear of the ambition you have of free secure elections that are taking place.
“And we look forward to our cooperation with Nigeria and the member States on a lot of issues, political, economic , environmental, climate change and mostly security.”
Onyeama thanked the EU Parliament Observer Mission for its support to Nigeria’s election, adding that Nigeria will not fail the global community in delivering peaceful and credible polls.
He said that President Muhammadu Buhari wants a free, fair and transparent elections to be a legacy that he is leaving for the country.
“We have done quite a lot to have the electronic part of the process, the President really prioritizes support for the national electoral commission to ensure that the elections represent the will of the people.
“The President has invested everything in maintaining democracy not just in Nigeria but in the West African Sub-region.
“And it has been a real disappointment for us as a government that there has been some backsliding on the democracy in our sub-region, about three or so countries that have gone through coup de tat.
“So we appreciate that Africa, West Africa in particular looking to Nigeria as a beacon of democracy and so we really want be strengthened.
“And we appreciate partners like the EU sending out a team to observe and so for us, we are going to do everything to make your tax a success.
“This is one of the largest team of election observers in the world so we have no reason not to have credible elections.
“Of course, security is also very important, we had a meeting yesterday, the President Chaired of the Security Council and all the Chiefs of Staff were there and all the precautions and measures have been taken with all the precautions have been taken.
“To ensure elections are taken in a peaceful and secured environment. That is one aspect we are concerned about but hopefully we will be able to deliver on the security aspect of it,” Onyeama said.
Head of the European Union Delegation to Nigeria, Ms Samuela Issopi, while also responding to journalists said that the EU strongly condemns all forms of violence, be it during elections or not.
She said that the EU is proud of the commitment made by the candidates and the political parties and she also urged that the remain committed to the Peace Pact that they signed.
She said: “We stand by all the Nigerians. Thirty-six hours to the voting, we are impressed by the commitments taken by the political parties and candidate, and by President Buhari to leave peaceful and credible and inclusive elections as his legacies.
“It was a very important moment and this is the image we want to keep in our mind, the Nigeria that stands together for democracy for a better future.
“All forms of violence need to be condemned either during election times or whenever.
“This is the only thing we have to say, and we hope justice follows its course. that and the perpetuators will be brought to justice.”
EU Parliament Observers Advocate Prosecution of Election Offenders
Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation
By: Zagazola Makama
The Russian Federation has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening defence and military-technical cooperation with Nigeria as part of efforts to promote peace, sovereignty and stability across the African continent.
Speaking at a bilateral meeting with Nigerian Defense Chief, General Christopher Musa and other officials, a Russian envoy described Nigeria as a strategic and promising partner, noting its position as the most populous country in Africa and a key regional player.
“We consider the Federal Republic of Nigeria a promising partner on the African continent. You are the largest country, and we support the efforts of the Nigerian authorities to strengthen national armed forces to safeguard the country’s sovereignty and ensure regional security,” the envoy said.
He expressed satisfaction with Nigeria’s willingness to pursue constructive cooperation with Russia in the areas of military and defence technology.
“We positively assess your commitment to fruitful cooperation with our country in military and military-technical spheres,” he added.
The Russian official called for an open discussion on current defence priorities, pledging continued support to Nigeria and other African partners.
In his response, Gen Musa, appreciated them for their support and commitment to the Armed Forces of Nigeria and for inviting him and his for the 80th victory parade.
He also appreciated them for the donation of weapons and drones to boost the campaign against terrorism within Nigeria and the Sahel Region
“Today, we discuss the most relevant issues of cooperation between our defence ministries. We value our friendship with Russia and deeply appreciate all the assistance Russia has provided assistance that has often been critical for many countries,” he said.
He praised Russia’s reliability and action-oriented diplomacy, saying, “You don’t just make promises, you fulfil them. Everyone knows Russia works for the good of peace and stability.”said General Musa.
The meeting, attended by top defence officials from both countries, is expected to yield agreements that will boost training, logistics, arms supply and intelligence-sharing in the fight against terrorism.
Nigeria, Russia to deepen military, technical cooperation
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
By: Michael Mike
Nigeria has extended its warm congratulations to Germany on the successful election of Friedrich Merz as the new Chancellor. The Conservative Leader
won with 325 votes in the 630-Seat Bundestag on Tuesday, 6th May, 2025.
A statement by the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa read: “Nigeria commends Germany’s strong democratic traditions and values, which have once again been demonstrated through a peaceful and transparent electoral process. We are confident that under Friedrich Merz’s leadership, Germany will continue to play a pivotal role in advancing global peace, stability, and prosperity.
“As longstanding partners, Nigeria looks forward to deepening bilateral relations with Germany in areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, security, and sustainable development. We also reaffirm our commitment to strengthening multilateral cooperation within the framework of the United Nations and other international fora.
“The Nigerian government and people wish the new Chancellor a successful tenure and express our readiness to work closely with Germany for the benefit of both nations and the global community.”
Nigeria Congratulates Germany on Election of New Chancellor
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
By: Michael Mike
The Federal Government has expressed profound sorrow at the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis, who died on Monday, 21 April 2025, at the age of 88 years.
The departed Holy Father, the political head of Vatican City and the head of the Catholic Church, was described in the statement as a global moral leader whose papacy was marked by humility, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to peace, social justice, and the dignity of all people.
The statement read: “Nigeria commiserates with the teaming population of the catholic church in the country and joins the international community, particularly the Catholic faithful worldwide, in mourning this immense loss. Pope Francis’ deep concern for the marginalized; including refugees, the poor, and victims of conflict, resonated strongly in Nigeria, where his calls for interreligious harmony and solidarity were a beacon of hope amid challenges.
“His historic 2022 apology for the Church’s role in colonial injustices, including the suffering of Indigenous peoples, indeed set a powerful example of reconciliation. Also worthy of commendation is his advocacy for peace in Africa, and other conflict areas in the world, reflecting his universal pastoral mission.”
The statement further read that: “In this moment of grief, therefore, Nigeria extends heartfelt condolences to the Vatican, the Catholic Church, and the Argentine people, who gifted the world this extraordinary pontiff.
“We pray for the repose of his soul and trust that his legacy of mercy, dialogue, and care for our common home will endure.”
Nigeria Commiserates with Catholic Church Over Demise of Pope Francis
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