Rochas calls for improved partnership between France and Nigeria

Governor Okorocha in hand shake with the French Ambassador to Nigeria Francois Sastourne during the latter's visit to Owerri recently

 The Imo State Governor Owelle Rochas Okorocha has called for improved partnership with France and other Western Nations.

He made this call when the French Ambassador to Nigeria Francois Sastourne paid him a courtesy call at the Government House, Owerri recently.

Speaking during the meeting, Governor Okorocha noted the cordial relationship existing between France and Nigeria but observed that Nigeria’s partnership with the Western nations in the past has been too theoretical rather than practical. He therefore called for more practical collaboration which will yield positive result.

The governor stressed that lack of common language for the African countries has been the bane in the unity of the continent, he called  for a joint effort to institute a common language to promote peace, unity and the economy of the African Nations.

The Rescue Mission governor revealed that the success story of his administration in terms of security and rapid infrastructural development depended so much on the creation of the Community Government Council (CGC) in the State.

He assured that Nigeria will never break up as he maintained “Nigeria is a different nation altogether, we do not take things too serious to the extent we want to divide.  Nigeria is still one nation indivisible, we know how to handle our challenges without breaking up.  We will overcome our challenges”.

Speaking earlier, the French Ambassador to Nigeria, His Excellency Francois Sastourne who said he was visiting Imo State for the second time observed that tremendous improvement has taken place in the State under the present administration.

He stated that the whole world is watching Nigeria as he hoped that the 2015 general election will be free and fair, with the country remaining integrated as well as the economy.   He pointed out that Nigeria is among the first partners with France in the sub Saharan Africa with common interest especially in the security of Africa, as he assured that France will not turn its back on Africa.