As Nigerians await the end to the incessant killings and security challenges in the Northern part of the country, the European Union on Wednesday promised that it will openly support Nigeria in the fight against terrorism and put an end to the ceaseless Boko Haram attacks.
The Head of the European Union in Nigeria, Ambassador Michel Arrion, gave this assurance when he paid a courtesy visit on the Niger State Governor, Dr. Babangida Aliyu, in Minna.
According to Arrion, who is also the EU Permanent Representative in ECOWAS: “We have special emphasis on counter terrorism.
“We will take sides with Nigeria by helping it fight terrorism and put an end to Boko Haram.
“I don’t believe in neutrality.
“I have to be frank.
“We are defending an interest and protecting our values.
“Those who are telling you they are neutral, they are not.
“It is better to have a clear agenda, a political agenda with you (Nigeria) than you don’t know what we want to talk about.
“So we are not the United Nations.
“In other words, we are not the UN of Europe.
“We are not here to be neutral.
“We are here to take sides with you.
“We want to fight terrorism, so we are taking sides.
“We believe in improving governance fighting corruption.
“Defending human rights will improve the global society, wealth and the growth of this country and the well-being of the population in Nigeria.”
Arrion promised that he was speaking on behalf of the other 19 members of European Union Ambassadors, adding: “I think it’s better to recognize the fact that we as Europe because of the globalization, we have to work together also as political leaders.
“We have to be firm in fighting terrorism.
“We will fight against small arms trafficking, with a special emphasis on counter-terrorism because we believe that if you have terrorism in a state, you can’t start thinking of developing the state.”
Speaking earlier, Aliyu pleaded with the EU to help the security agencies in Nigeria in the area of terrorism.
He said: “We want you to support us.
“You are our natural ally, please help our security agencies to tackle terrorism because if Boko Haram and terrorism continue, it might spread to other West African Countries.”
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