Sanctions threat: Nigeria to open talks with UK government

Following the United Kingdom parliament’s move to impose sanctions on government officials involved in the violation of human rights, including the shooting and killing of peaceful protesters, during the #EndSARS protests across the country, the Federal Government said it has reached out to the British government to present its own side of the story.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, disclosed this to journalists at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja, yesterday.

The UK parliament debated the protest, the violence that trailed it and the alleged role of security agencies.

Onyeama, while affirming that the lawmakers were not responsible for imposing sanctions, however, noted that it was necessary to give to the UK government Nigeria’s own position to enable them have a balanced perspective.

“Yes, we have reached out to the UK government. The meeting that took place were parliamentarians and don’t speak for UK government…

“So, we have been in touch with them and engaging with them. And of course, as in any democracy, the members of parliament are able to also air their view.

“But what is important is that balanced picture is made available to them before they take any decision,” he said.

– Sunnews