November 3, 2014 – The Federal Government on Monday warned heads of diplomatic missions in Nigeria against making inflammatory and reckless statements regarding Nigeria’s domestic policies noting that the trend would no longer be tolerated.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Aminu Bahir Wali who was briefing nations on success of Nigeria in containing Ebola Virus described the trend as unacceptable and urged them to respect the sensitivity of Nigerians and the mood of the times.
“I avail myself of this medium to inform that the Federal Government has also noted with deep concern that some Heads of Mission are in the habit of cris-crossing the country and making inflammatory and reckless statements against the government on matters of domestic policy. This is unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs. Such Envoys are advised to respect the sensitivity of Nigerians and the mood of the times”, he said.
The minister said it is unfortunate that nations have continued to profile and stigmatise Nigerians on the basis of Ebola even after it has been given clean bill of health by the World Health Organisation following its success in containing Ebola Virus Disease(EVD).
According to him, continued discrimination and profiling of Nigeria is not acceptable to the Government and People of Nigeria.
“Since the index case was brought to Nigeria, we have received unpleasant reports from a number of otherwise friendly countries targeting and discriminating against our nationals. Painfully and regrettably, I am left with no option than to mention the following countries:
Bahrain, Cameroun, China, Cote d’voire, Cuba, Egypt, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Hong-Kong, Kuwait, Mauritania, Namibia, Qatar, Sao Tome & Principe, Seychelle, Sri Lanka, South Africa, South Sudan, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, Zambia and Ukraine
