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Officials agree to closer ties as second Nigeria-India foreign office consultations winds up in Delhi
Nigeria and India have, among other issues, agreed to increase engagement to boost volume of trade and economic activities between the two countries.
They also agreed to pursue diversification with innovative suggestions for achieving the boost via such areas as mineral lease for infrastructure development and financing for term periods, including the establishment of special economic zones for production, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and agriculture, while seeking the setting-up of Indian firms in Nigeria.
The above was part of the outcomes of the second round of Foreign Office Consultations between the two countries,which held, Thursday, in New Delhi. According to a release by the Nigeria High Commission in New Delhi, the Nigeria delegation was led to the meeting by Amb. Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria, while the India side was led by Shri Damu Ravi, who is Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India.
The release said:
“The delegations reviewed different aspects of Nigeria – India bilateral relations, covering Political exchanges/visits, a considerable number of which have been at very high levels, the most recent being the visit by HE Geofrey Onyeama, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Nigeria to India in July 2022 and the visit of HE Shri V. Muraleedharan, the Minister of State for External Affairs, Government of India to Nigeria in August 2022.
“Trade and Economic matters bordered on increased engagement and diversification to boost volume of trade between the two countries, with innovative suggestions for achieving the boost, such as mineral lease for infrastructure development and financing for term periods and establishment of special economic zones for production, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals and agricultural set up of Indian firms in Nigeria amongst others.
“On Consular and migration matters, the consultation discussed the extension of student visas to cover the school eligibility period and a buffer for internships and post-study skills acquisition as well as repatriations and other related matters.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria,HE,Amb.Gabriel T.Aduda and the Secretary (Economic Relations), Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India,Shri Damu Ravi (Middle) flanked together on their left and right by officials of their both countries during the Second Round Foreign Office Consultations between Nigeria and India ,which held in New Delhi,India,on Thursday, September 30,2022. Photo By: Ajayi S.O
“The meeting also touched on Development Partnership Projects under the Indian Technical and Economic Program (ITEC), which also cuts across Defence and Security Cooperation, Health, Education, Culture e.t.c. The two sides agreed to enhance people-to- people ties through deliberate engagement and collaboration between the Nollywood and Bollywood Industries in entertainment and film production.
“The two countries further commit to the reform of the United Nations Security Council, as well as the fight against insurgency in the Sahel and the Lake Chad Basin,” the piece concluded.
Also at the meeting were Amb. Ahmed Sule,the High Commissioner of Nigeria to India; Amb. Tunde Mustapha,Director Regions, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria,as well as other officials of the Nigerian Mission in New Delhi,who participated in the session.
According to the release,the third round of the Foreign Office Consultations (FOCs) is expected to hold in Abuja on a date to be decided.
The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that it has been vindicated by recent revelations from the state’s former Head of Service, Dr. George Nwaeke.
The Rivers APC Chairman, Chief Tony Okocha, stated this in a statement he personally signed and made available to journalists on Wednesday.
The former Head of Service, who recently resigned had alleged that the suspended Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, was directly responsible for the political crisis in the state and the bombing of the State House of Assembly.
In response, the Rivers State APC asserted that Nwaeke’s testimony aligns with the party’s long-held position, as frequently stated by Chief Okocha, that the suspended governor was the architect of the state’s political crisis, including masterminding the October 29, 2023, bombing of the State House of Assembly.
Chief Okocha further emphasized that Nwaeke’s account, given his high-ranking position in the state, cannot be dismissed as mere speculation.
He said attempts to discredit the former Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the alleged corruption and misconduct that the APC has repeatedly highlighted.
“What is most interesting to the APC in Rivers State as a responsible political party is that Dr. George Nwaeke’s revelations and testimonies of how suspended Governor Siminalayi Fubara and his squad bombed the Rivers State House of Assembly is an eye witness account.
“Again , it has clearly vindicated the APC in Rivers State as the only visible and viable opposition political party in the State, and has cemented the love for the party in the heart of well meaning Rivers people as the voice of the voiceless, and the hope for a better Rivers State.
“The revelations made by the former Head of Service in Rivers State has further positioned her as a political party with high level of integrity, and the hope of Rivers people for a viable alternative to produce the Governor of Rivers State in 2027.
“The verbal attacks staged against the resigned Head of Service will not deter him from exposing the corruption within Sim Fubara’s administration, which we have consistently highlighted as the opposition party. On this matter, the APC shall function as watchdogs”, the party stated.
Chief Tony Okocha expressed confidence that security agencies would thoroughly investigate the matter.
“The APC in Rivers State strongly believes that the relevant security agencies will be professional enough to get to the root of the matter and make their findings public”, he said.
A coalition of civil rights organizations, the Centre for Credible Leadership and Citizens Awareness (CCLCA), has called for an immediate and thorough investigation into the allegations leveled against suspended Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, by Dr. George Nwaeke, the former Head of Service of the state.
During a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday, Dr. Gabriel Nwambu, Director General of the CCLCA, urged the Nigerian Police Force (NPF), Department of State Services (DSS), and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to take swift action in probing the allegations. He emphasized that if proven true, these claims pose serious risks to governance and democracy.
The coalition, comprising 30 civil society organizations, stands in solidarity with Dr. Nwaeke, who has expressed willingness to provide evidence of alleged corruption and constitutional breaches involving Governor Fubara and his Chief of Staff, Mr. Edison.
“We collectively urge the relevant authorities to act swiftly and transparently. Addressing these allegations is critical to restoring public confidence in governance at both the state and national levels,” Dr. Nwambu stated.
He commended President Ahmed Bola Tinubu for his intervention in Rivers State, which led to the declaration of a state of emergency, a move he described as crucial for stabilizing the region.
Dr. Nwaeke’s accusations against Governor Fubara include:
Arson and Sabotage: Allegedly instructing his Chief of Staff to burn down the Rivers State House of Assembly to prevent impeachment proceedings, a violation of Section 14(2)(b) of the 1999 Constitution.
Corruption and Financial Misconduct: Claims of large sums of money being used for personal and illegal activities, contravening Section 15(5) of the Constitution.
Threats to Public Safety: Alleged plans to sabotage state infrastructure, potentially inciting public disorder, which falls under Section 1 of the Terrorism Prevention Act (2011).
Collusion with Militant Groups: Alleged meetings between the governor, his Chief of Staff, and militant leaders, posing a threat to national security and violating Section 43 of the Constitution.
Suppression of Labour Rights: Alleged attempts to bribe labour leaders to silence dissent, contravening Section 40 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly.
The coalition has urged law enforcement agencies to ensure a thorough, transparent, and expedited investigation into these allegations.
Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has appointed Sam Ifeanyi Hart, Esq. as his new Chief of Staff (CoS).
Hart replaces Hon. Toby Okechukwu who was recently appointed Executive Director, Projects of the newly established South East Development Commission (SEDC).
Prior to his appointment, Hart served as Special Adviser to the Deputy Speaker on Public Affairs and has an extensive background in training and consultancy.
Hart also previously served as Director-General, Abia State Marketing and Quality Management Agency from 2019 to 2023 after occupying other appointive positions.
He was also a member of National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), Kuru where he attended the Senior Executive Course 45, serving as Course Secretary-General.
He has also served on the Boards of several corporate and non-governmental entities.
Hart brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role, with a distinguished career spanning law, leadership, and public service.
A lifelong learner, he holds multiple academic qualifications, including a Master’s Degree in Environmental Law (LLM) and a Bachelor’s Degree in Law (LLB) from Abia State University.
The new Chief of Staff is also currently pursuing a Doctorate Degree in Law.
A seasoned professional, Hart has attended prestigious institutions, including the GOTNI Leadership Centre, National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPPS), and the School of Politics, Policy and Governance (SPPG).
He is also a member of several professional bodies, including the Chartered Institute of Directors of Nigeria (M.IoD), Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (ACIArb), and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA).
As Chief of Staff, Hart will provide strategic guidance and support to the Deputy Speaker legislative activities, leveraging his expertise to drive policy initiatives and promote good governance.
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