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From Aidoghie Paulinus, Abuja
The Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany, Annett Günther, has said that the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is nothing but an imperialistic war of aggression.
Günther, while briefing journalists in Abuja, on the state of Nigeria-German relations, said the motto of the current government in Germany, which came into office in May, is security, freedom and prosperity.
According to her: “This is our guiding principle: We want security, freedom and prosperity for us and for our partners. And we invite every willing country to join us in this pursuit.” Günther, however, said unfortunately, not everyone has the type of positive agenda that Germany has.
Günther said: “The ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine is nothing but an imperialistic war of aggression.
“For more than three and a half years now, it is the Kremlin that decides every day to further bomb Ukrainian cities, kill people and wage war on its neighbor.
“If Russia puts the weapons down, the war ends. If Ukraine puts the weapons down, Ukraine ends.”
Günther further said it does not end there, adding that Russia is trying to undermine free and democratic societies in Europe, as well as in Africa.
Günther also said: “Cyber-attacks on our political institutions or infrastructure, disinformation campaigns, contract murders have but one goal: damaging trust in the free press, spreading conspiracy theories and undermining the political system.
“Accordingly, we have to strengthen our capacities, both militarily and in terms of resilient societies – uncover purposeful disinformation and manipulation and counter it.”
In the area of military cooperation with Nigeria, Günther explained that for years, Germany has stood side by side with Nigeria in building military capacity from general staff and officer training to hands-on technical skills like automotive mechanics. She added that through the Bundeswehr Advisory Group, Germany has been a reliable partner supporting Nigeria with field medical expertise and counter-IED operations, car mechanical training and other interventions.
