Nigeria Veep Seeks Stronger Ties With Ghana

Vice President Atiku Abubakar has called for more interation between Ghana and Nigeria, saying this was the surest way of sustaining the excellent relations which exist between both countries.

Atiku stated this when the Ghanaian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Lt. General Joshua Hamidu (rtd) paid a courtesy visit to him in State House, Abuja yesterday.

Having highlighted the role which Nigeria and Ghana played in the fight against colonialism and apartheid, Atiku said "both countries had had fraternal and harmonious relation which dates a long way back and we should strive to sustain this relationship for the benefit of the people of our countries."

He stated further that "Nigeria and Ghana are bound by fate to champion the integration of the people of the sub-region," adding that "if Ghana were to be our next door neighbour, we probably would have been pulled into integration as one country."

Speaking earlier, High Commissioner, Lt. Col. Hamidu said he was in the Presidential Villa on a courtesy visit and to ensure that both Ghana and Nigeria ensure that relations between them remain strong, adding that both countries should avoid taking things for granted.He also noted that colonialism had imposed similar institutions and affinity between both countries which had blended Nigerians and Ghanaians as one people.

Lt. Hamidu said the presence of large Ghanaian contingent to the last African Games in Abuja, was a testimony to the affinity and co-operation of both countries, adding that excellent and healthy competition between both countries should be encouraged.

He disclosed that the Ghanaian government was in the process of reactivating joint sporting activities between both countries and that the first edition of the sporting activities would come up in October in Ghana.

Hamidu expressed the desire of the Ghanaian government for the early completion of the Nigerian-Ghana Gas Pipeline adding that Nigeria should continue to plan the leadership role in the sub-region as Ghana, looks forward to Nigeria in virtually everything because events in Nigeria have a way of determing what happens in Ghana.