By Ebriku John Friday
The President of the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and leader of Nigeria’s delegation to the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly in Luanda, Angola, Senator Godswill Akpabio has urged Nigerians living in the Republic of Angola not to engage in any act that can tarnish the image of Nigeria.
Senator Akpabio made the call when he along with some members of the Nigerian delegation to the IPU addressed a cross section of Nigerians living in Angola during an interactive session.
A statement by the Special Assistant to the Senate President on Media and Communication, Anietie Ekong quoted Senator Akpabio as saying he would have been very worried if he didn’t find a sizable number of Nigerians in the oil rich country and commended their industry and entrepreneurial spirit.
According to Senator Akpabio, “It is very rare to go to some countries and find the indigenes of that country being part and parcel of the foreign nationals who are living in that country like we have here and joining you to form the Nigeria-Angola Chamber of Commerce.
“I am very glad when I reflect on the part Nigeria played in the issue of the liberation of Angola. I recall the great speech that was made by our Head of State then, General Murtala Mohammed in 1976 when he spoke at the Organization of African Unity (OAU) meeting when he said African countries should rally round the MPLA to liberate Angola and form the government.
“Unfortunately General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated a few days after that speech. But I’m sure that wherever he is now he will feel fulfilled that the country he assisted with the resources of Nigeria at that time, has come a long way and Nigerians are living and thriving in their businesses here,” he said.
“I will convey your concerns to President Bola Tinubu who was today judiciary confirmed as the duly elected President of Nigeria. On behalf of all of you here I congratulate the President for this victory and join you in wishing him a prosperous tenure that shall usher uncommon prosperity to our country,”Akpabio said.
Also speaking the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives Hon Benjamin Kalu said from the intelligence gathered, Nigerians in Angola have conducted themselves well and urged them to remain law abiding and have respect for their host country.
Nigerian Ambassador to Angola, Prof. Monique Oshame Ekpong commended the delegation for their visit to Angola. She listed some of her achievements to include securing direct flights between Angola and Nigeria few weeks on resumption of her tour of duty in Angola and also fostering the unity of Nigerians in the country.
President of the Nigeria Community Association of Angola, Mr Obinna Ogbuka said Angola was conducive for Nigerian businesses and listed some of their challenges to include delays in renewal of their international passports and exorbitant air fares between the two countries.
Highlight of the interactive session was the presentation of books and souvenirs to the visiting delegation.
