The Nigerian Federal Government has issued a stern warning to foreign powers to refrain from interfering in the country’s internal matters, following recent protests against economic hardship. The warning comes in response to the sight of foreign flags during the protests and the arrest of several foreigners allegedly involved in sponsoring the demonstrations.
In a briefing to members of the Diplomatic Corps in Abuja, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, emphasized the importance of maintaining cordial international relationships while asserting Nigeria’s stance on non-interference. He highlighted that no nation tolerates external meddling in its domestic affairs and affirmed that Nigeria is no exception.
Tuggar stated: “While the government continues its reform programs to address the challenges facing Nigeria, it is important to remind that Nigeria will not accept any form of foreign interference in its internal affairs. The government will take appropriate action against any foreign entity found to have supported the protests or interfered in our domestic issues.”
The protests, which had seen a reduction in many states, persist in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, where clashes between protesters and thugs have led to further violence. The Nigerian Army has detained a soldier involved in the shooting of a 16-year-old boy in Zaria, Kaduna State, as part of ongoing investigations into the incident.
In response to the unrest, the Plateau and Bauchi state governments have relaxed curfews imposed earlier in the week, with normalcy gradually returning to the regions.
Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to upholding the right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression while vowing to address the violence. Idris expressed gratitude to the diplomatic community for their support and optimism that the government’s policy interventions will soon bring about positive changes.