Chief Dan Orbih, Edo State PDP played host to Mr Ketil Karlsen, the European Union Ambassador to Nigeria on Wednesday.
Orbih played host to the ambassador in his residence, in company of some party leaders.
They chatted about current affairs in the country including politics, judiciary, illegal migration and women trafficking as well as the role EU have been playing to assist in the political and economic development of Nigeria.
Mr Ketil emphasized on the role and importance of the opposition and acknowledged the good work Edo PDP under the leadership of Chief Orbih has been doing.
He revealed that the lives of the international observers were in danger in Kogi during the last Kogi governorship elections and confessed that the elections in Nigeria were becoming too violent and politicians showing too much desperation. He appealed for peace as Edo 2020 approaches.
Ketil advocated pressure and sincerity of purpose for the enactment of the electoral law … ” you are knocking on an opened door” he replied when asked the position of EU on electoral law review.
He talked and cautioned against political violence.
He reported that the EU has over 3000 projects across the Niger delta and that they were partnering and corroborating with Edo State government in many projects.
In a question and answer session with some party leaders present, he advocated for gender balancing and increased women participation. He regretted the proportion of Edo indigenes involved in women trafficking and illegal immigration and the role EU was playing to help in educating and rehabilitating those repatriated and cut up in the illegal trade.
In the description of Mr. Orbih, “the Ambassador was frank, forthright and an excellent conversationist.”
The interactive session ended with a commitment that EU will be in Edo during the governorship election to monitor the entire process.
(C) Control TV 2020.
