We’ll make democracy succeed in Nigeria – EU

The Head of Euro­pean Union Delega­tion to Nigeria and Economic Com­munity of West African States (ECOWAS), Amb. Michel Arrion, has said the group is much interested in the success of Nigeria’s democracy and its electoral process.
Speaking during a courtesy call on the leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Senator Bukola Saraki, in Ilorin at the weekend, the envoy said the EU has years of collaboration and co-operation with the country that must be sustained for continental growth.

He said the EU since 1974, has developed more than 40 years of development co-operation and political dialogue in West African states in particular.
According to him, the EU is also liaising with some Nigerian states. Arrion also said the EU, being a product of integration in Europe, believed in regional integration at both economic and political levels.
“ EU is not a common market or free movement of goods. EU project is primarily peace. After 500 years of war, and two World Wars, and finally in the ’50s, we have decided to make peace by integrating our countries. It takes time. We are still building our unions. And we wish West African countries will do same. It’s in the spirit of going from federal to the state and all the regions, including the leaders in these areas”, he said.
Saraki thanked the EU for the role played in Nigeria’s democratic process, particularly with collaboration in technical support in 2015 general elections, saying the successes achieved could be traced to the assistance provided by EU and other friends of the country.
He said that Nigeria was grateful for the roles, adding that it’s time to address issues of poverty, infrastructure and ensure sustained democracy.
The former Kwara State governor also described APC’s victory as that of the country in general and all her people.expdonaloaded.........