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Tag: Ketil Karlsen

  • 2019: We are good to go – INEC

    The Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu has said that INEC is good to go as far as the 2019 general elections are concerned.

    Yakubu also reassured the international community and the country that the 2019 general elections will be credible, free, fair and transparent.

    He spoke on Wednesday when he received the delegation of the European Union (EU), United Kingdom (UK) and the United States (US)

    He also stressed that 2019 elections will be credible, as the commission will jealously guide the processes. Yakubu also assured Nigerians that the outcome of the polls will meet the expectations of all as all votes will count.

    “We are good to go for the 2019 general elections. We are aware that the election is going to be an intense media event but only that international community will also intensely watch the processes as they have always done and I want to assure you that we will not fail the international community and will not fail the nation. We are aware that the long term EU observation mission is on ground, and also the ECOWAS observation mission, so the international community is already in Nigeria for the elections.

    “2019 elections will be credible, we will jealously guide the processes, we will ensure that the processes lead to the outcome that all Nigerians expect. Nothing but free, fair, credible elections will be good enough for the commission,” he said.

    He also reiterated the assurance that “vote will count in 2029 general elections. We are ready for free, fair and transparent process such that will confirm the position of Nigeria in international community as a nation that conducts credible elections. 2015 is not a fluke, it was a product of deliberate planning and 2019 is going to be the same

    Yakubu who also briefed his guest on the preparation of the commission towards the elections said, “we are at the moment outing finishing touches to our preparation for the elections. The first election will hold on 16th February with the national elections, presidential and National Assembly and the second election will hold on the 2nd of March, which is the state elections. The governorship, state assembly and election into area councils in the Federal capital territory. All the heavy items for the elections are being procured in addition to ballot boxes, voting cubicles, replacement smart card readers. The permanent voter cards have also been delivered to the states for collection by citizens.”

    He also revealed that the commission is recruiting and will soon commence training for adhoc staff for the elections.

    Read Also: No voting with temporary voter card- INEC

    Speaking earlier, David Young, Charge D,Affairs of the US embassy in Abuja pointed to the expected neutrality of the security agencies during the elections.

    He stressed that they must stick to their role of protecting the electorates and ballot materials and avoid any form of interference with the voting process.

    “I would want express the concern that we have and that is the neutrality of the security services. For us it is very important in the ongoing season that the security services are very smart, provide security for the elections. Security in the safety of the process. It should be done in such a way that it does not interfere with people getting to the polls, poll watchers, civil society organization and other to have access to ensure the voting goes freely both in February 16th and March 2nd. This is something we have been deliberating strongly about. The neutrality of the security services is one is one of the very very important issues for credible elections,” he said.

    Young also spoke on the need for a better synergy among the three arms of government, saying that the executive, legislature and judiciary are crucial to democracy.

    He said, “I also want to say that we appreciate very much the important the role judiciary plays in Nigeria.”

    Stressing the collaborative role the legislature, executive and judiciary plays in democracy, Young therefore warned that there should be no interference with the role of judges and judiciary in democracy.

    He also stressed that the US is very supportive of Nigeria and is therefore looking forward to playing a supporting role as a fellow democratic partner.

    The EU Head of Delegation to Ketil Karlsen said the delegation was in INEC to receive briefing on the preparedness of the commission towards the forthcoming general polls.

    EU he said regards itself as good friend of the country and would do everything possible to support the success of the democratic process. He also noted that EU long term observe is already in the country.

    He also reiterated that EU does not have any preferred candidate or party or ideology in the elections, rather the interest of the delegation is in the conduct of free, far and transparent elections.

    He also noted that the success of the 2015 general poll in Nigeria has already set the benchmark in Africa and it is expected that the 2019 general elections will follow the same pattern.

    EU stressed that it will only partner with whosoever emerged from the polls.

    German Minister Counsellor/Deputy Head of Mission, Regine Hess urged all the stakeholders to ensure violence free elections come February and March polls.

    She also commended the peace committee, while urging the stakeholders to abide by the peace pact.

    The delegation also joined the commission in inaugurating the Election Monitoring Support Centre, where all the elections will be monitored. The office is essentially an ICT driven.

     

     

  • Peter Obi meets with EU, WEF delegations on 2019 election

    The vice presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Peter Obi on Wednesday in Abuja met with delegations from the European Union (EU) and the World Economic Forum (WEF) to discuss the need to conduct free and fair elections in 2019 and also how to grow the nation’s economy through collaboration.

    Obi who stood in for the presidential candidate of the party, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar at the separate meetings, told the EU delegation that efforts should be made to stop the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) from intimidating candidates of opposition political parties who, he said, now live in fear.

    A statement released in Abuja by the Atiku campaign office said that the EU should insist on a level playing field for all candidates and parties during the 2019 elections in Nigeria, adding that “there is a need to get the country back to its feet and make it better for our children”.

    Obi was also quoted to have said that campaigns should be based on issues so that the electorate and the international community can come to grasp with the problems of the country, as well as the solutions being proffered by each of the political parties and their candidates.

    Has was similarly quoted to have said that there was need for agencies like the EU to strengthen and support the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    The former Anambra Governor said that judging from what happened during gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun states, INEC needs to show that it remains an unbiased umpire in future elections in the country.

    On the issue of vote buying, Obi described the incidence as a new phenomenon that must be stopped.

    Read Also: Why Atiku picked Peter Obi as running mate

    “I contested and won elections when I was in a smaller party. Where would I have gotten the money to buy votes if it was the case then and how would I have gotten back the money especially when I am going to serve the people”, Obi was quoted to have said.

    On the new found unity of the PDP, the vice presidential candidate said the evidence could be seen from the outcome of the party’s free and fair presidential primary election conducted in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State on October 7, 2018 where all the presidential aspirants agreed that it was the best so far.

    On whether there was need for a fresh EU election observer group following the impending expiration of the tenure of the present group, Obi said that Nigeria deserved a replacement based on the role EU would play in ensuring free and fair elections in Nigeria in 2019

    In his comments, the head of the EU delegation, Ketil  Karlsen was quoted to have said that the election observer group has been consulting stakeholders in Nigeria to ascertain whether or not it would be necessary for the Union to send a new EU election observer mission.

    He said that the EU mission had been operating in Nigeria since 1999 and that the Union had invested over 100 million Euros in Nigeria’s election processes since then.

    While speaking with officials of WEF at a separate meeting, Obi emphasised the need for closer working relationship with African countries, especially Nigeria, saying that most governments in the continent do not want to work with the forum for fear of being criticised.

    He said that many governments in Africa implement activities that are “transactional instead of transformational” and therefore needed help to shape their policies.

    “A lot of work needs to be done in Africa because things are tough. The presidential and vice presidential candidates of the PDP have a clear picture of what the economic priorities are  and what the international community feels about the country”.

    “Nigeria needs to do something immediately for its economy to be put back on track and something has to be done immediately”, Obi was quoted to have said.

    Leader of the WEF delegation, Nontle Kabanyane was quoted to have said that the Forum was ready to strengthen relationships and to implement more activities in Nigeria through a collaboration that would lead to national transformation.

  • Nigeria is moving progressively- EU

    Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje of Kano state has observed that the recent visit of Heads of Government of some European Union member states to Nigeria is a pointer to the fact that the country is moving in the right direction.

    He made the assertion on Tuesday in his introductory remarks as Guest of Honour, at the monthly meeting of the Heads of Mission of the European Union member States in Abuja.

    At the meeting, which was chaired by the EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ketil Karlsen, the governor noted that the Union has not relented in supporting Nigeria in times of difficulties, as the country progresses as a developing nation.

    “In the areas of bilateral agreements with regards to fight against communicable diseases, insurgency, water resources and many developmental issues, the Union has remained resolute and committed to our obligations”, Governor Ganduje remarked.

    “It also demonstrated the full conviction of the Union that the Present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is on course in the determination to move forward”, the governor added.

    According to him, Nigeria is grateful for the Union’s several interventions in the North East and elsewhere, mainly the contributions in the resettlement of Internally Displaced Persons.

    Read Also: Nigeria’s development, collective responsibility

    Regarding Kano state, the governor hinted that the 10 million Euro DFID solar project for education and health sector in the state, which is funded by the EU, “Will certainly help mostly our women by reducing mortality at birth and our girls to acquire education by providing conducive environment, especially improved hygiene and better toilet facilities”.

    He further said the recent signing of an MOU on the rehabilitation of Challawa water works and pipelines between Nigeria and the French Development agency AFD, was a major milestone in the relationship with the Union.

    While assuring the EU of unflinching commitment to collaborate in the execution of development projects and programmes, the governor hover, appealed particularly for support in the areas of agriculture and entrepreneurship, towards curbing societal problems such as illegal migration.

    “I will like to restate our determination to uphold the various bilateral agreements between the Union and our dear country and hope that whatever is deliberated at this forum will be mutual benefit to Nigeria and the European Union”, he concluded.

     

  • Nigeria, EU trade volume hits €25.3bn

    The Head of European Union (EU) delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Ketil Karlsen, said on Wednesday that trade volume between Nigeria and EU reached €25.3 billion in 2017.

    He stated this in Abuja while fielding questions from journalists on the forthcoming Europe Day slated for May 9

    The envoy said the figure was an increase of 27 per cent over that of 2016, which was €19.9 billion.

    He said about 50 per cent of the 2017 trade value was in favour of Nigeria.

    “About €25.3 billion was traded in 2017. There is clear significant surplus in the benefit of Nigeria. Of the trade volume, around 50 per cent more is actually benefitting Nigeria,” he said.

    Karlsen said the EU remains the most significant trading partner for Nigeria, stressing that trade and investment was an integral part of Europe partnership with Nigeria.

    NAN

     

  • EU launches N4.3bn projects in support of Albinos in Niger Delta

    The European Union ( EU ) on Wednesday inaugurated 956,000 euros (about 4.3 billion naira) projects in support of Person With Albinisms ( PWAs ), provision of water and sanitation management in the Niger Delta.

    The EU Head of Delegation and Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Ketil Karlsen, said this in an interview with our correspondent at the end of project inauguration ceremony in Abuja.

    Karlsen said that the projects were part of EU activities to promote, protect human rights in Nigeria and mitigate the conflict in Niger Delta region by addressing the cause of unrest and violence.

    “The EU is signing four projects with Civil Society Organisations to provide services in the Niger Delta in water and sanitation management to increase access for the locals.

    “Another one is launching a support programme for the Albino Foundation which is a wonderful project that we are really following up as a resolution from the EU parliament.

    “This stressed the importance of EU working with the people with Albinism in Africa to improve their rights and to deepen their opportunity,” he said.

    He said one of the projects was funded under European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights ( EIDHR ) programme, while the others  were funded under component three of the Niger Delta Support Programme ( NDSP ).

    According to him, the projects have a total funding of 956,000 euros and to be implemented over a period of five years.

    He said the overall objective of the EIDHR was to help civil society organisations become an effective force for political reform and defence of human right.

    “So this is another example of close collaboration of EU with CSOs and authority in Nigeria because we know that the chain is as strong as the weakest link.

    “So we always advocate for civil society, the international community and the authority a like to approach some of the challenges that we have seen in Nigeria and some other places.”

    He said the Component 3 of the NDSP was aimed to increase access to safe, adequate and sustainable water, sanitation and hygiene service delivery to underserved population in five EU approved Niger-Delta states.

    The states, according to him, are Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo, Ondo and Rivers.

    He said the implementing entities include state ministries responsible for water, UNICEF, Messer SAFEGE SRLS and four local CSOs

    According to him, the choice of the projects is because water management and sanitation are vital for the livelihood of people.

    “Without good health, people cannot go to schools, they will not learn well, so this is part of wider development of securing wider opportunity for ordinary Nigerians.

    “So, this is something that is producing tangible and specific result that can be seen with our bare eyes and I think working with people with albinism is part of what has been done in the past.

    “And I think one of the wonderful things that this project will brought about is more clarity of what is the actual situation of the people with albinism.

    “How many people are there all together, what are the needs and difficulties and of course without having that point of departure, it is very difficult to design necessary policy for them.”

    He said some of the projects would last about 28 months while some would last less.

    “However, what is important is how to ensure the long lasting effect of the projects and ensure their sustainability.

    “This is one of the discussions that we need to have with our partners that how do we secure the impact of the project that when the last euros has been paid.

    “And that is about advocacy, about awareness, building on best practices and multiplier effect,” he said.

    President of Albino Foundation in Nigeria, Mr Jake Eppele, a beneficiary commended the EU for the initiative.

    Eppele said the project was to provide access to social services for persons with Albinism in Nigeria.

    He said the project was also to provide legal reform to improve the situation of people living Albinism.

    Mr Benjamin Ogbalor, Project Coordinator, Initiative for Community Development, a CSO, said his project was aimed at improving the living condition of the population of people in Isoko Local Government of Delta.

    “This is to enhance safe access, adequate, equitable and sustainable water supply, sanitation and hygiene services aiming to provide support for the peace process, conflict prevention and local governance,’’ Ogbalor said.

    NAN

  • EU seeks ways to bridge Nigeria’s gender gap

    The Head of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr Ketil Karlsen, said on Wednesday that the union was seeking ways to bridge gender gap in Nigeria, ahead of the country’s general elections next year.

    A statement by the press officer to the delegation, Mr Modestus Chukwulaka, in Abuja quoted Karlsen as saying that “the EU is committed to seeing more Nigerian women participate in politics”.

    Karlsen said the EU was putting measures in place to ensure active involvement of women in politics in the country.

    He said that to this end, the EU was organising a one-day seminar to mark the International Women’s Month, in Abuja, which he said would focus attention on women’s participation in politics in Nigeria.

    He said that the seminar, scheduled to take place on March 23 would discuss how Nigeria’s leadership selection process could be made more inclusive to accommodate women.

    Participants, according to him, will explore ways in which women can be empowered to succeed in party primaries and in elections.

    He said that they would also discuss how the playing field could be levelled and made less hostile to female candidates.

    Chukwulaka said that the seminar, with theme: “How Do Women Win Elections in 2019?’’, would draw participants from the National Assembly, civil society and female politicians.

    According to him, the EU has been working with governments, institutions and civil society actors to bridge the gender gaps in Nigeria.

    “The EU has been supporting programmes, aimed at empowering girls and women, protecting their rights, transforming their lives and strengthening their voice as drivers of sustainable development.

    “Less than five per cent of Nigeria’s 469-member National Assembly is women.

    “The event will allow us to reflect on and celebrate the progress made towards full attainment of women’s rights as well as to build momentum and support for further action,” Karlsen said.

    NAN

  • Nigeria gets EU grant for electoral process

    Nigeria gets EU grant for electoral process

    The European Union on Thursday re-affirmed its support for Nigeria’s electoral process with a 26.5m Euros grant.

    The EU Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, Mr. Ketil KarLsen, made the disclosure at the launch of the EU Support Programme to Democratic Governance in Nigeria (EU-SDGN).

    Karsen said the electoral process, which would be funded over a period of five years, was aimed at promoting transparent, inclusive and credible elections.

    He said: “The overall objective of the EU-SDGN is to contribute to the reinforcement of democracy in Nigeria through building of strong, effective and legitimate democratic institutions.

    “Ahead of the 2019 general elections, Nigeria is at a pivotal moment that allows the country to take important steps to consolidate democracy and strengthen the electoral process.

    “The EU continues to partner with Nigeria in the ongoing reform process with a view to strengthening the capacity to conduct well-managed elections with ample participation of all Nigerians.

    “For this to happen, all must contribute, from the key institutions to the political parties, candidates, media and civil society.’’

    KarLsen said the project would be anchored in the priority areas identified by the Nigerian government.

    NAN

     

  • EU pledges job creation support to Nigeria

    EU pledges job creation support to Nigeria

    The new EU envoy to Nigeria, Amb. Ketil Karlsen, has expressed the desire of the union to support the Nigerian government in creating employment opportunities for young Nigerians.

    He said that creating employment opportunities for Nigerians would discourage them from embarking on dangerous trips to European countries.

    The EU’s pledge of assistance comes against the backdrop of the increasing rate of young Nigerians embarking on dangerous trips to European countries in a bid to secure better living conditions.

    Speaking In Lagos on Monday, Karlsen, who is the Head and Ambassador of the EU Delegation to Nigeria and ECOWAS, said the union was eager to support Nigeria to facilitate a better future for youths.

    “It is really heartbreaking to see many young Nigerian girls being trafficked and made to suffer so many difficulties.

    “It is natural that young people everywhere should look for job opportunities and better living conditions outside their countries.

    “But, I must say that the right way to do it is not to be allowed to expose themselves to dangers and different forms of abuses, while taking dangerous routes from their countries.

    “We would, therefore, want to see more efforts at creating sustainable job opportunities and better living conditions for these young Nigerians in Nigeria.’’

    He said the EU was prepared to support Nigeria on a long-term strategic planning for sensitising young Nigerians on the dangers of travelling illegally.

    Karlsen said that the EU was willing be part of any initiative by the Nigerian Government to create employment opportunities for young Nigerians in Nigeria.

    He argued that it was imperative to create better living conditions for young Nigerians to reduce their desperation for migration abroad.

    The envoy said that young Nigerians should not be allowed to continuously expose themselves to dangers and abuses in their bids to travel to Europe and other countries.

    “I think that we need to work together, create more investments and job opportunities for these young Nigerians in their communities.

    “We have to make these young Nigerians know that there are currently better opportunities for them in their country than abroad,’’ Karlsen said.

    NAN