Reps Move To Strengthen Diplomatic Ties With Turkey
By Gloria Essien, Abuja.
The House of Representatives is set to strengthen diplomatic relations with Turkey.
The Chairman of Nigeria – Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group, Joshua Gana, gave the indication during the inaugural meeting of the committee in Abuja.
Gana said that the setting up of the committee by the Speaker of the House, Tajudeen Abbas was a clear indication that the House holds Turkey in high esteem.
“You would recall that the Committee was not a full-fledged committee in the 9th assembly but has now been upgraded to a full-fledged Committee. Because of this, more responsibilities have been placed on us. Our mandate is to expand Nigeria’s legislative relationship with Turkey through the exchange of visits, workshops, seminars, other channels of communication and engagement, exchange of parliamentary programmes, practices and procedures to deepen Nigeria’s legislative democracy, democratic culture and good governance. This will further enhance the diplomatic relations between Nigeria and Turkey” Gana said.
He noted that in the intervening period between the creation of the Committee and the meeting, the committee has hit the ground running.
“Both parliaments have exchanged the list of their membership of the friendship group and we have proposed a courtesy visit to the embassy of Turkey” he said.
Gana also pointed out that the committee needed to be innovative and forward-thinking to draw every potential benefit that is available in its relationship with Turkey as a country.
He also urged members of the committee to come up with viable ideas that would move the activities of the committee forward.
The Chairman congratulated members of the committee and prayed for wisdom in carrying out their assigned tasks.
“I thank the Almighty God for preferring us to carry out the assignment and I thank Him in advance for empowering us to accomplish the task. I also appreciate the Leadership of the House, headed by the Rt. Hon. Speaker, Dr. Tajudeen Abbas, for giving us this opportunity to serve. I congratulate every one of us for the mandate given to us by our various constituents. I pray that God will give us the wisdom to serve them and our great country, Nigeria well” he added.
While commending the committee chairman and pledging their support, House of Reps members Etanabene Benedict and Rabiu Garba Kamba gave suggestions on how the Nigeria – Turkey Parliamentary Friendship Group could benefit Nigerians.
Emmanuel Ukoh
