The Presidency has warned officials of the United States of America, United Kingdom and the European Union ( EU) to desist from interfering in the internal affairs of the country such as the recent suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN) Mr. Walter Onnoghen, and the forthcoming elections.
In a statement issued in Abuja, Senior Special Assistant the President on Media and Publicity, condemned comments by foreign countries on the suspension of the CJN, saying Nigeria deserves respect and honour as a sovereign country.
He said as much as the country welcomes interests and partnerships for the successful conduct of the 2019 general elections, the government would not condone unfair interference in the country’s internal affairs.
The statement reads: “Nigeria reserves the right to be insulated from suggestions and or interference with respect to wholly internal affairs and commends international laws, customs and norms that mandate and require nations and the comity to respect this prerogative to all.
“Nigeria is confident of its electoral processes and her preparation for the imminent elections and the federal government has supported the independent electoral umpire in both its independence and resources needed to accomplish our desire and insistence on free and fair elections.
“In addition, the federal government has ensured the independence of all organs, institutions and arms of government to perform their functions in a manner that is transparent and is not lacking in integrity whether institutionally or by persons within such institutions or organs and will continue to do this.
“Although the question of foreign interference, whether state-sponsored, promoted or otherwise has dominated recent elections and outcomes globally, the federal government assures citizens and the global community that it will fiercely and assiduously promote the will and the right of Nigerians to choose and elect their leaders without pressure or assistance from persons or entities that are not constitutionally empowered to participate in the process.”
The statement urged Nigerians to confidently exercise their franchise in an orderly manner, and assured them of adequate security during and after the electoral process.
According to the statement, security forces are ready to confront any plan or attempt to interfere with or disrupt the forthcoming elections whether by elements within or from outside the country.
