Korea Republic differs with US, others over Abuja security threat, backs peaceful Nigeria’s 2023 general elections 

Abuja

Contrary to the terror alerts issued recently by some countries including United states, United Kingdom, Canada, Germany among few others, South Korea embassy on Thursday made it clear that it is going ahead with its activities in Abuja and any other part of Nigeria.

Korean Ambassador to Nigeria Kim Young-chae who disclosed this in Abuja said at no time did his embassy contemplate, let alone made plans to postpone any of its events due to the much talked-about security threats around Nigeria’s capital.

Ambassador Young-chae confirmed its National Day Reception scheduled for Abuja on Monday November 7 will go ahead as planned.

The Korean envoy however, advised the Nigerian government to step up efforts in guarding its border against terrorists’ movements.

“In saving lives, you need to also consider the economy. Many young people are in need of jobs… But Nigeria needs to watch and protect their border to prevent terrorists from gaining entrance easily. Many Nigerians are innocent of this, and are going about their duties legitimately,” he said.

Speaking on the just concluded Bio summit in Korea, Ambassador Young-chae expressed delight with the visit of President Muhammadu Buhari amidst the advancement in several bilateral talks between Nigeria and his country.

He recalled that the last time a Nigerian president visited Korea was in 2012, describing President Buhari’s visit as “historic”.

According to him, “President Buhari and our Korean President met for the first time. Buhari asked Korea to invest in manufacturing which will create jobs. Korea is strong in automobile, electronics, and other areas of manufacturing.

“There were some bilateral meeting between the two President on security, business, economy and other areas. They discussed economic cooperation especially it concerns taxation. They also discussed defence and cultural cooperation.

“My government has ambition to become a big hub in bio industry, same with with Nigeria. We had discussions on how to enhance cooperation in this area.

“In terms of trade, Korea investment in Nigeria and Africa has increased.

Nigeria has more advantages over other African countries due to its population and abundant resources.”

The ambassador also said their trade volume with Nigeria has increased with 20%, amounting to about N2billion so far in 2022.

Talking about 2023 general elections, the Envoy said, “We are committed to see that the elections are free, fair, transparent and peaceful. Personally, I don’t have interest in who wins the presidential election. It is up to Nigerians to decide the next leaders. We are just witnesses, but it is the right of every Nigeria to elect a leader for the country.

“They should exercise their sovereign right in a judicious way. Also, I want to see an orderly and peaceful transition of power from one government to the next, who wins does not matter to me.”

I have met two presidential candidates Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar, and I emphasised our commitment to democracy, free, fair, transparent and peaceful elections and also orderly transition of power, from one government to another. However, we are neutral in Nigeria’s domestic politics. I have also requested a courtesy visit with another candidate Ahmed Tinubu.”

On the recent Halloween incident in Seoul, the Korean ambassador commended Buhari for his early show of concern, adding, “Buhari was among other African countries to console with Koreans and Korea government. My two sons were around the place when the incident happened but they are safe. My government is doing it’s best to help victims and we are reviewing the incident to avert such future occurrence in the future