By Sarah NEGEDU
The Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, has criticised the European Union, EU, report on the 2023 Nigerian presidential election, insisting it was not a true reflection of the last election held in the country.
Wike, who expressed his dissatisfaction when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, paid him a visit in his office, stated the report created a wrong impression on the minds of electorates, especially in Rivers state.
He said EU was supposed to serve as an observer during the last election and not to present 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, however said 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 portray as people that 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”.
Meanwhile, the minister also indicated interest to collaborate with investors from the European countries in different economic areas.
Wike noted that there were investment opportunities, not just in the FCT, but across the country. He urged intending investors to respect Nigerian laws.
Responding, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria, Samuela Isopi, said that a team of investors from different European countries would soon be in Abuja, to seek for opportunities to invest.
Isopi, disclosed that many members of the European Union and Investors have been involved in several agricultural value chains development in the country.
She further stated that the Union was working towards hosting a conference in Abuja, which will enhance relationships with Nigerian government.
On the EU election report, the Ambassador clarified that the report was put together by independent observers and has nothing to do with her own operations.