Mukaila Ola
Canadian Acting High Commissioner in Nigeria, Mr. Kevin Tokar has called for a global action against Russia for waging war on Ukraine, he said: “World Must Resist Russian Aggression.”
Tokar, while condemning in the strongest terms what he termed President Putin’s unjustifiable and unprovoked invasion of Ukraine, said the Russian President has “launched the largest military invasion of any European country since World War II and has shattered peace and security in Europe.”
He said Putin has shown a brazen disregard for human life, with his attack resulting in the senseless deaths of innocent people and a large-scale humanitarian crisis.
Tokar said: “This is not just an attack on Ukraine. This is an attack on international law, including the UN Charter, as well as democracy, freedom, and human rights.
“The consequences of Russia’s actions will extend well beyond Ukraine’s borders. In launching this war, Russia is seeking to destroy the freedom of a people and overthrow the democratically elected government of a sovereign nation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has stated clearly that President Putin’s military offensive is a severe violation of the UN Charter. He has implored President Putin to cease his war on Ukraine.”
The envoy lamented that: “Russia’s invasion is also having immediate effects on people around the world. For example, the spike in global oil prices caused by this invasion will exacerbate current fuel challenges in Nigeria, while the growing challenges and costs of producing and importing wheat will further drive up the cost of food. The rising cost of bread and fuel is something that every Nigerian, in every walk of life, will feel.”
He said: “We must act immediately with one global voice to condemn President Putin’s aggressive actions. And We must hold the Russian leadership under President Putin’s command to account. No country can afford to stay silent in the face of this aggression.”
He recalled that: “Earlier this month the Governments of Canada and Nigeria, together with 139 other countries at the UN General Assembly on March 2, sent a clear message that President Putin’s invasion of Ukraine is unacceptable and that the world is united against it. Peace-loving nations cannot sit idly by. Canada stands resolutely with the government of Ukraine and its brave and resilient people.”
In another development, the Canadian government is spending $8 million on boosting women chances at the poll.
According to Tokar, “the four year project with a budget of eight million US Dollars, will train and mentor women to participate in political and election process, with the aim of increasing the number of women voters, candidate and elected officials at the federal, state and local level.”
Tokar said the project will also support the capacity of legislators, electoral bodies and political parties to enact gender responsive laws and policies that promote gender balanced in political leadership position.
He said: “Canada is proud to support efforts to raise the voices of women political legislative spaces in Nigeria, we firmly believe that increased political participation by women ultimately leads to increased prosperity, peace and security for all Nigerians.”