Nigeria: Merkel Tasks Jonathan On Human Rights, Insecurity‎

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Mohammed S. Shehu 15 July 2011


German Chancellor Angela Merkel yesterday identified insecurity and human rights abuse as some of the impediments President Goodluck Jonathan's administration should overcome to foster strong cooperation between the two countries.

Merkel, who was in Nigeria on a two-day business trip, disclosed this yesterday at a joint press conference by the two leaders after a closed-door meeting at the Council Chamber of the State House, Abuja.

She said Nigeria will have to expand its industrial base and diversify to be able to rectify the trade imbalance between her and Germany.

Jonathan described the meeting as timely and unique, saying it came at the when he was about kick-start his new administration and promised to strengthen political and economic relationship with Germany.

Merkel, who described the meeting as an extensive one, said, "Nigeria we know will have to overcome a few impediments and problems. First, to ensure transparency for everyone in this country and Germany would want to be by Nigeria side and to hope Nigeria best in this endeavour.

"We made a point that is very important that Nigeria succeeds in fighting violence and terrorism in its society because it is important to guarantee the security of the Nigerian people. We have made it very clear that respect for human rights especially for minority rights is of the utmost importance."

She said Nigeria has a constitution in which these rights are enshrined and that it was the duty of the government to ensure that these rights are guaranteed on a daily basis.

On the Boko Haram insurgence in the country, Merkel said, "I have had the opportunity to meet with religious leaders from various areas of the country and in our discussions, they made it clear that their cooperation with the government of Nigeria is intensive and very good when it comes to addressing the problems that the country is facing. We believe that is very important that Nigeria continue down this road."

She also commended Nigeria's roles in ECOWAS and promised to continue to support Nigeria in that direction.

Jonathan said the two countries have agreed to strengthen collaboration in the gas sector and fast-track Memorandum of Understanding previously between the two countries.

Is good the German lady representative pin point that aspects of BOKOM insurgence, they should realise that nigeria is undergoing serious crisis that might lead to division of 'one nigeria'. Is high time they help us fight this little menace in our dear country. . .