By Bimbola Oyesola, Laide Raheem, Abeokuta and David Onwuchekwa, Nnewi
Former President Olusegun Obasanjohas assured President-elect of the United States, Donald Trump, of Africa’s support.
Trump was elected as the 45th US president on November 8.
In a November 9, 2016, letter, titled Congratulations and personally signed by the former president, Obasanjo said the support would only come with equitable and fairer acceptance of the continent.
“Let me assure you that most of us in Africa, who believe in equitability in global affairs, will work with you for a fairer world and, more so, those of us in Nigeria…”
From Anambra State, Head of Communications, Nnewi Catholic Diocese, Nnewi, Rev. Fr. Hygi Aghaulor advised the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) to see Trump’s victory as an opportunity to negotiate well towards the actualisation of their quest for freedom.
Fr. Aghaulor said Republicans are known for being more radical than Democrats and added that Trump’s victory came as a surprise to many even Americans, which he noted was a sign of good things to come.
“If IPOB negotiates well with him, he will have more tendency to make points for them unlike the outgoing President Barack Obama. Trump is seen to be more radical and ready to break new grounds which will be more advantageous to the pro-Biafran group.
But, Dangote Group has charged Nigerian political leaders to see Trump’s victory as a wake up call for them to fix the economy.
Representing Aliko Dangote, chairman of the group at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair, organised by Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), at Tafawa Balewa Square, in Lagos, Executive Director, Stakeholder Management & Corporate Communications of Dangote Group, Mansur Ahmed said the emergence of Trump as president-elect is an opportunity to develop Nigeria and Africa at large.
Mansur said “the Federal Government should realise that both the British exit from Europe and Trump’s victory on Tuesday showed that Nigeria should look more inward in the drive to restore the economy.
“Our government and political leaders must focus their policies on things that will encourage local investors, encourage them with incentives. They should stop gambling about looking for investors. Investors are here, do them well, then the Chinese, Lebanese, Japanese and others will follow suit”, he said.
He noted that the foreign investors are not coming to Nigeria because they love Nigeria, but for the profit they would make.