Foreign nations are advised to avoid meddling in the country’s domestic affairs, the Federal Government issued a warning yesterday.
The warning was issued in the context of ongoing protests against the country’s hardships, particularly in the northern states of Kano, Kaduna, and Zamfara, where foreign flags are flying, and the arrest of some foreigners who were involved as protest sponsors.
This came as the protest, which had thawed in most states where it was held, continued in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, yesterday, as protesters and some journalists were attacked by thugs who infiltrated the protest.
The soldier who fired the shot that killed a 16-year-old boy in Zaria, Kaduna State, on Tuesday night has also been detained by the Nigerian Army, who stated that they are looking into the incident.
In addition, the curfew that the governments of the Plateau and Bauchi imposed during the height of the protest earlier this week has been loosened as of yesterday.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, who gave the warning while briefing members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, however, highlighted the importance of cordial international relationships.
Recall that the protest, which gained momentum in major cities, such as Lagos, Benin, Osun, Oyo, Kano, Gombe, Yobe, Borno, Niger, Kebbi, Abuja, and other northern towns, was marked by violence, and that at least six Spaniards were arrested in Kano in connection with the protest.
The minister appealed for continued collaboration from the international community to support Nigeria’s efforts in overcoming its current challenges and achieving a better future for all Nigerians.
He issued a warning: “Remember that no country accepts foreign meddling in its internal affairs or the affairs of its citizens, even as the government works tirelessly to address issues confronting Nigeria and Nigerians through the various reform programs and measures. Nigeria is not an exception.
“Any foreign entity that resides in Nigeria and is found to have supported the protesters directly or indirectly through any means, or to be attempting to meddle in the internal affairs of the nation, will face appropriate action from the government.”
“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your countries and organisations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.
“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal Government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerians at home and abroad.’’
In his address at the meeting, the Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s support for peaceful assembly and freedom of expression, while committing to investigating the violence and bringing those responsible for violence to justice.
Idris thanked the diplomatic community for their support and assured that the worst of the unrest is over.
He expressed optimism that the government’s policy interventions would soon yield positive results for the nation.
“Your Excellencies, I want to reassure you that the Federal Government has opened an investigation into the violence we witnessed last week in order to find the perpetrators and bring them to justice.
“We are determined to stop these regrettable incidents from happening again in the future. I also want to thank you individually and collectively for your support and understanding during that difficult period.
“I want to reassure you that the worst is behind us and that we can now move forward as a country to reap the benefits of all the policy and program interventions that have been put into place. I thank you for your kind attention,” he stated.
