Spokesman of the House and Member representing Bende Federal Constituency today accompanied the Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila on a diplomatic visit to Ghana regarding the recent trade disputes between Nigeria and Ghana.
Recall that a few days ago, Ghanaian authorities closed down retail shops belonging to Nigerian traders living in Ghana for an alleged failure to meet the minimum $300,000 equity required by Ghanaian investment law.
The Federal Government through the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, had last week said it would no longer accept the humiliation of Nigerians by Ghana. Ghanaian authorities have since responded to the statement, saying Mohammed’s claims on the issue and previous ones were inaccurate.
Rep. Kalu speaking to DrumAfrica on what he called a “legislative diplomacy” trip to Ghana with the Speaker of the House, said that the purpose was for them to meet with their Ghanaian counterparts with a view to resolving the matter.
The Nigerian delegation which is billed to meet with the Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, was earlier today received by the Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, Mike Oquaye.
Rep Kalu said “It is my belief that this diplomatic visit to Ghana will help in strengthening good relations and promoting mutual understanding between both countries which will help in resolving the recent trade dispute between Nigerian traders and Ghana.”
“I especially thank the President Muhammadu Buhari for giving his approval for the leadership of the House of Representatives to embark on this trip.”
“I commend the President of Ghana, Nana Akufo-Addo, and the Speaker of the Ghanaian Parliament, Mike Oquaye for receiving us warmly despite the inter-country trade disputes. This goes to show that we are all comrade-at-arms working towards achieving stability and prosperity for our countries.”
