Abuja – The European Union (EU) on Saturday urged the President-elect,
retired Maj.-Gen. Muhammadu Buhari to ensure that Nigerians enjoyed the
democracy dividends.
The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Michel Arrion, made the call
at the Europe Day 2015 in Abuja.
Arrion explained that democracy meant nothing to the common man except it
led to the improvement in their standards of living.
“But democracy only makes meaning to the common man to the extent that it
delivers good governance, creates opportunities and improves the quality
of living.
“Nigeria is rich, but Nigerians are poor. The incoming administration will
have a lot to do in this regard.
“It must ensure that Nigeria’s massive population is galvanised into a
formidable productive force that will generate wealth that is equally or
rather equitably shared among all citizens,” he said.
According to Arrion, as the new government comes on stream, the world will
want to see a Nigeria with the basic freedoms that distinguish democratic
societies.
“The government must ensure that the basic freedoms including economic
rights and welfare are not the exclusive preserve of a privileged few.
The EU envoy reminded Buhari of his promises before and after his election
to pursue three priority objectives.
He said the first objective set by the President-elect was “to swiftly end
the insurgency in the North East and restore peace and stability.
According to him, the second is to eradicate corruption, while the third
is to put policies in place to put Nigeria’s economy on a proper footing.
He said that these goals set for the incoming government match closely the
European Union’s vision for the country.
“Let me add a fourth objective that is very important for the European
Union: regional integration,” he said.
Arrion said the EU strongly believed that peace and stability, as well as
the economic development of Nigeria were achievable.
According to him, they will be better achieved within the framework of a
closer and deeper co-operation of Nigeria with its neighbours in West and
Central Africa.
“It is in that global context that the partnership between Nigeria and the
EU is taking place.
“I am delighted to state that Nigeria and EU do share very strong
relations of mutual trust and partnership.
“And I am very happy to confirm the excellent quality of our local
political and policy dialogue between the 21 European Ambassadors and High
Commissioner and the Government of Nigeria.”
He commended Nigeria and Nigerians for the success of the general
elections, saying the last three months were very special for Nigerian
citizens.
“We are happy that Nigeria has got it right, and look forward to other
African countries following its good example,” he said.
The EU envoy commended outgoing President Goodluck Jonathan for gracefully
“accepting the outcome of the election so that his country can move on.”