By Joyce Remi-Babayeju
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike on Monday descended on the European Union (EU) over its report on the 2023 Nigerian presidential election.
Wike stated that the report did not represent the true position of the last election held in Nigeria but that it created a wrong impression on the minds of electorates especially in Rivers state.
The Minister made his dissatisfaction known when EU ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi paid him a visit in his office.
The Minister decried the situation where instead of the EU to serve as an observer during the last election but presented as contrary report that would not give the true picture of Nigerian democracy.
European Union Election Observation Mission (EUEOM), through the chief observer, Barry Andres had in June presented its final report on the last Nigerian general elections, and highlighted six priority areas with recommendations.
Wike noted that Nigerian laws can’t be same with that of the EU because they have different environment.
“I didn’t agree with European Union over the last report on election in Nigeria. They are to observe, Nigerian laws can’t be the same with EU laws because they have different environment.
“In Rivers state, the EU’s report was different from what transpired there. How can people that believe in democracy and practice it be portrayed as people who don’t understand democracy?.”
“Our concern should be how to make the economy grow better, we have to corporate and agree on specific areas of development in the Federal Capital Territory and the entire country.”
“Foreign partners should be concerned on strategic development in irrespective of the areas.”
European Union ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi replied that the report was put together by independent observers and has nothing to do with her own operations.
However Isaopi reiterated EU’s commitment to work with the Minister to boost development in the territory and beyond.
