‘We Are Watching From the Sidelines’- Nigerian Charge d’ Affairs on Gambia’s December Election

The Chargé d Affairs of the Nigerian High Commission to The Gambia, Eche Abu-Oba, has hinted that his country continues to follow Gambia’s political environment from the sidelines. The diplomat, who is also the Acting High Commissioner, said Nigeria would continue to render all the brotherly support needed by The Gambia in attaining stability and progress.

Eche Abu-Oba made these remarks at the sidelines of the royal awards night for Nigerians living in The Gambia, where eleven distinguished sons of Nigeria and two Gambians were decorated for their “immense contributions towards the development of the two countries.”

Nigeria was a principal actor in maintaining peace and stability during the impasse that followed The Gambia 2016 Presidential election. Nigeria is also a pivotal contributor to the ECOMIG stabilizing forces currently stationed in The Gambia.

“I want to wish The Gambian people well and what I want to add is we (Nigerian High Commission) are watching from the sidelines to make sure that everything goes well as planned,” said H.E Eche Abu-Oba, Charge d Affairs of Nigerian High Commission to The Gambia.

Speaking on the “brotherly relationship between The Gambia and Nigeria,” Acting High Commissioner, Abu-Oba reaffirmed his country’s readiness in extending help to the country, noting that Nigeria has not only been assisting The Gambia but equally to other sister countries in the sub-region.

“Nigeria has always come to the help of brothers within the sub-region and has always seen The Gambia as a junior brother. It’s always one’s wish to see your junior brother progress by putting in place measures and instruments to make sure everything goes as planned,” H.E Eche Abu-Oba disclosed.

He then added, “The crux of the matter is, if there is a brotherly relationship, then it has to be cohesive. You don’t want to have any form of acrimony and what Nigeria stands to gain is the stability and prosperity of The Gambia.”

The Acting High Commissioner expressed delights towards the Presidential pardon extended to three Nigerian inmates in observance of the Muslim Feast of Eid ul Fitr. According to him, the Nigerian Hign Commission in The Gambia is appreciative of that gesture by the government of The Gambia.

The diplomat said Nigerian High Commission has always been particular with Nigerian nationals serving jail terms in Gambian prisons, revealing that occasionally the High Commission extends assistance to these prisoners to make them more comfortable while serving jail terms.

His Royal Highness (H.R.H) Oba (Rtn) Dr. Moshood KB Abolade (Ariwajoye 1) was decorated as the Royal Father Of the Nigerian Community living in The Gambia during the ceremony. He said the Gambia-Nigeria relationship has surpassed the diplomatic level and has developed to the stage of a people-to-people relationship.

His Royal Highness (H.R.H) Oba (Rtn) Dr. Moshood KB Abolade (Ariwajoye 1) called on all Nigerians in The Gambia to remain committed and dedicated to their businesses. He asked them to be always law-abiding and tax compliant for the Gambia’s stability, growth, and progress.