The Senator who represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Sani Shehu, Tuesday, reacted to the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Nyesom Wike’s plea for European Union (EU) to strengthen Abuja’s economy.
The Senator In a tweet on X platform noted that it is impossible for Wike to seeks EU’s aid without allowing them to interfer in the nation’s politics.
In his words, “Wike reportedly told EU to support our economy but not to interfere in our politics;that is not possible.Once you are open to receiving their economic aid,you have signed up to be held accountable on how you govern.”
It would be recalled that Wike on Tuesday, sought the collaboration of the European Union (EU) to strengthen the economy of the federal capital, Abuja.
Wike made the appeal when the EU Ambassador to Nigeria, Ms. Samuela Isopi, visited him in his office in Abuja on Monday.
He said that the EU could partner with the FCT Administration in the areas of agriculture, tourism, and security.
The minister said that FCT was open for cooperation and investments in the aforementioned areas towards building a viable economy in FCT.
According to him, increased cooperation, and partnership in agriculture, tourism and security will help to unlock the economic potentials of the FCT and create jobs for the teeming populace of the city.
He expressed optimism that the visit of the Ambassador would create something tangible that would impact the lives of residents of the city.
Wike, who said he did not believe in mere visits, stressed the need to finalise on what needed to be done.
According to the FCT Minister, “Not just coming to tell me we are here to partner with you, we are here to work with you.
“It is good, but at the end of the day, the people will want to see what the achievements are, which for me, is a priority.
“You know that Abuja is one of the best cities in terms of available facilities. The landscape is beautiful, and it is a tourist and agricultural area.
“These are areas we can partner with you sincerely.
“Maybe, when we meet with the member countries, it becomes specific, which of these areas we can deal with, maybe agriculture, tourism, and security as the case may be.”
He added that as part of the “Renewed Hope” agenda of President Bola Tinubu, the FCT Administration had submitted a proposal for the establishment of a Secretariat that would deal with women development issues.
He said this would ensure inclusion and promote the participation of women in governance.
Earlier, the EU Ambassador, said that the Union was refocusing its cooperation towards improving agricultural value chains and renewable energy.
According to her, this would assist Nigeria’s economic diversification agenda.
