Abuja, Nov. 3, 2023 (NAN): President Bola Tinubu has thanked France for returning 150 million dollars that Gen. Sani Abacha, the former head of state, had stolen from Nigeria.
Chief Ajuri Ngelale, the President’s Special Advisor on Media and Publicity, made this announcement on Friday in Abuja.
The President also announced that Nigeria and France had signed a 100 million euro agreement to fund the i-DICE programme.
A federal government programme called i-DICE aims to encourage investment in the creative arts and information and communications technology (ICT) sectors.
At a ceremony in Abuja, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs and Dr. Bosun Tijani, the Minister of Communications, Innovation, and Digital Technology, signed the agreement.
Tinubu praised the improved bilateral ties between France and Nigeria, pointing out that this development came about as a result of his trip to Paris subsequent to his inauguration.
“I appreciate the excellent news about the Abacha loot returning. We are grateful for your efficient assistance in getting Nigeria’s money back. It will be prudently employed in achieving our development goals, the President informed Catherine Colonna, the French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, who made the announcement.
The President praised the increasing cooperation between the two nations in areas of common interest, such as climate change, economic integration, education, and culture, while highlighting the need to strengthen cooperation on both political and economic fronts.
READ ALSO: General Oladipo Diya, Abacha’s second in command, has died
The head of the ECOWAS Authority of Heads of State and Government, Tinubu, commented on the state of affairs in the Niger Republic, saying that Nigeria was keeping an eye on the situation and using all available diplomatic avenues.
“Being a leader means being receptive to the needs of others—their screams and frustrations. There are seven states in Nigeria that border Niger, and the majority of these states have substantial populations. In order for us to properly control our wrath, I must so lead ECOWAS slowly and cautiously.
“President Bazoum, a democratically elected leader and our comrade, is being exploited as a human shield. He and his family could be in danger if we are not vigilant.
“I am utilising all suitable covert tactics to prevent violence in the Niger Republic.” The President declared, “We acknowledge the desires of our people; they do not desire war, but that does not mean we cannot take bold and decisive action.”
According to Tinubu, Nigeria would keep inspiring allies abroad to join forces in the resolute quest for a diplomatic solution to the Niger Republic’s predicament.
The French Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs communicated President Emmanuel Macron’s goodwill and stated that France is prepared to increase mutually beneficial cooperation with Nigeria in a variety of fields.
She then went on to officially invite the President to the next Paris Peace Forum.
Regarding the Abacha plunder, the French Presidential Envoy stated that the repatriation took place after the legal procedures were finished.
“We are happy that the lengthy procedure is now over. Justice may not always come quickly, but this is a great accomplishment, the woman remarked.
Colonna added, “We support your efforts at ECOWAS,” in addition to praising President Tinubu’s ECOWAS leadership. We support you because we think democracy has to be a reality and that constitutional order is a treasure for all nations.In NAN
