Nigeria Revokes Diplomatic Relations with Libya

By: Victor Ulasi, Nigeria

The Federal government of Nigeria has revoke the diplomatic relations between her and Libya by recalling the Ambassador, Alhaji Isah Mohammed, from the  Libyan Peoples Arab Socialist Jamharriyah due to the call by the President of Libya Gaddafi to split up Nigeria in two religious region.   

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs representative Ozo Nwobu said the recall was effective Thursday, March 18, 2010. Foreign Affairs Representative remarked, Nigeria will not stand for allowing her diplomats in a country that does not want her progress.   

“The recall of Nigeria’s ambassador back to Nigeria is an act of protest in diplomatic circles and it will enable government find out some information about the Nigerian embassy’s assessment of the situation in Libya, which will determine further action,” Ozo said.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs further stated, the rather rigorous and often times irresponsible utterances of Col. Gaddafi, his thematic grandstanding at every auspicious occasion have become too numerous to recount. These have indeed diminished his status and credibility as a leader to be taken seriously. His comments on the Jos crisis are most unacceptable and unbecoming of any leader who claims to advocate and champion the cause of African integration and unity.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the Federal Government welcomes well-meaning comments from concerned members of the international community regarding the crises in Plateau State. The government hereby reassures all Nigerians and the international community that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria are sacrosanct and non-negotiable. However would not allow any kind comments that intend to destroy the co-existing peace in Nigeria.

In the meantime, The House of Representatives called on the Libyan ambassador in Nigeria to explain the comments made by their President and what moved him to call for the country to split up, adding that “the world should have some respect when saying anything about Nigeria.”

The House of Representative further made it known that the recent statement by Gaddafi calling on Nigeria to split up into two religious lines is clear evidence that the fight by Gaddafi to establish a “One Africa Country” is all propaganda and false action to exploit the Africa and the world. “How can he advocate for a single African country and at the same time calling for the break-up of another country,” the representatives added.

However, the Former House Speaker Mrs. Patricia Etteh said, “We can afford to ignore the messenger but not the message, because it is a fact that we are currently being challenged as a nation by religious-induced crises that claimed thousands of lives. The religious differences in Nigeria should be addressed to avoid Gaddafi’s statement becoming a reality”

Posted by worldnews on March 19, 2010. Filed under Human Interest - Africa,International News,International Politics,Politics - Africa,WorldNewsVine. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. Both comments and pings are currently closed.