Turkish Embassy opens exhibition to commemorate coup anniversary

The Turkish Embassy in Abuja has opened a photo show as part of activities to commemorate the third anniversary of the aborted coup attempt in Turkey. The coup, which was foiled by the citizens of the country, took place on July 15, 2016.

The exhibition, mainly photographs of the horrific events, occupied the foyer of the Embassy. They are pictures of damaged vehicles, houses and infrastructures in the country.

The photographs highlight the degree of damage to both lives and property. The envoy said 250 lives were lost in the failed coup attempt, which was allegedly perpetrated by the Fetullah Terrorist Organisation (FETO).

In his remarks, the Turkish Ambassador to Nigeria, Melih Ulueren, said the country’s government plans to take over the management of Turkish schools in Nigeria, which are owned by leader of the terrorist group. He added that Maarif Foundation would handle the schools.

According to Ulueren, Turkish government will ensure reduction in tuition fees as well as enhance teachers’ remuneration whenever it takes over the management of all Turkish schools in Nigeria.

Ulueren noted that FETÖ is allegedly present in around 160 countries, with thousands of schools, businesses, NGOs and media organisations and that their modus operandi is the same all around the world, as they aim to infiltrate and enlarge their global economic and political influence.

According to him, the group constitutes a direct security threat for any country where they operate.

He said: “You may think that FETO is a benign civic education movement as some circles try hard to portray but that would be a huge mistake.

“This is an organisation that has two tiers.”

The envoy accused alleged that the first layer was the legal and visible side; moderate, tolerant, non-violent and pro-dialogue social movement that engaged in variety of activities including education and humanitarian works.

“But there is another tier, a darker underbelly of this organisation. Under the guise of legitimate social service efforts, the group gained access to vast financial resources, human capital, political and social influence.

Speaking on the alleged poor service delivery of the Turkish Airlines, the ambassador tendered apology on behalf of the management and urged Nigerians who have genuine issues to forward same to his office for possible amicable resolution.

“ We take such complaints seriously. We are not happy that those things happen and we try to ensure that they are not repeated”, the envoy stated.