EU condemns terrorism acts in Nigeria, promises to assist

The European Union, EU, has condemned the abduction of the 276 girls as well as the two recent Abuja bombings, reassuring the Nigerian government of its support in the fight against terrorism in the country. The Ambassador/Head of the EU delegation to Nigeria, Michel Arrion, in a statement in Abuja, yesterday, said even though the EU has no army, police force, they have the money to provide financial assistance to Nigeria.

He, however, added: “I don’t think Nigeria needs financial assistance, what it needs is technical assistance and capacity building training. Intelligence is the key way to address such acts and we are ready to share information with Nigeria.” Talking about the 2015 elections, Arrion affirmed that the EU had indicated its support to the Independent National Electoral Commission, “EU parliament, if granted, is ready to send another observation mission as it did in 2011.” He explained that too much attention should not be focused on terrorists alone, saying with the 2015 elections around the corner, government should extend their security concerns on the election as well as the electoral process. Arrion said “political violence should be of concern as much as terrorist attacks. A lot of casualties are recorded in Nigeria during elections. This political violence is of more serious concern, we very much fear it. “We believe that not only government but also political actors should pay more attention and make a declaration that they will not engage in political violence, political assassination, violence at rallies as well as write hate speeches.” He called on government not to focus its attention entirely on Boko Haram but also look at other sources of insecurity, saying: “The violence of electoral political election is as dangerous and concerning as those actions of Boko Haram.” Arrion, therefore, called on Nigerians to be vigilant and not to contribute to violence. “Nigerians should try to perform their civic duty as they can. Do not contribute to political violence. Nigerians deserve a peaceful and democratic election,” he said.