2019 Elections: Nigeria warns U.S., U.K. against meddling in country’s internal affairs

The Nigerian government has reacted to the position of both the United States of America and her United Kingdom counterpart on the suspension of the country’s Chief Justice, Walter Onnoghen.

A statement by Garba Shehu, the senior special assistant on media and publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari, said as much as Nigeria welcomes interests and partnerships for a successful 2019 general elections, the government would not condone unfair interference in the country’s internal affairs.

Following the controversies generated by the suspension of Mr. Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday and the appointment of a successor in acting capacity, the United States, the United Kingdom and other foreign institutions issued statements advising the government to retrace its steps.

Before their latest statements on the suspension of the chief justice of Nigeria, the US and the UK had earlier on Thursday threatened to ban from entering their countries any Nigerian who instigated violence or engaged in rigging of the forthcoming elections.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Coalition of United Political Parties (CUPP) had hailed what they described as the foreign nations’ timely intervention.

But the Federal Government on Saturday night strongly condemned the comments of the foreign countries on the suspension of the CJN, insisting that as a sovereign country, Nigeria deserves respect and honour.

The government, however, pledged its commitment to ensuring a free, fair, credible and peaceful election, saying the electoral umpire, that is, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has been made truly independent and offered the required support.

– Premium Times