By Emmanuel Kwada
The British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Richard Montgomery, has issued a statement clarifying the UK government’s stance on the Yoruba Nation petition submitted to 10 Downing Street by Sunday Adeyemo. Montgomery acknowledged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ concerns regarding misleading press reports and reassured that the petition was not endorsed by any UK government body or the Parliamentary Petitions Committee.
The delivery of the petition was simply a routine practice allowing letters and petitions to be submitted to No. 10. However, Montgomery emphasized that the UK government does not involve itself in the sovereign affairs of other countries. He stressed that matters of secession are for the Nigerian government and legislature to decide, citing past rejections of similar petitions by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK government.
Matters of secession are for the Nigerian government and legislature to decide, citing past rejections of similar petitions by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK government
Montgomery committed to continued collaboration with Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as needed. He also highlighted the importance of the UK-Nigeria bilateral partnership, particularly under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, where progress has been made on trade, investment, security, defense, and home affairs.
This statement aims to clarify the UK’s neutral stance on Nigeria’s internal affairs, reiterating the country’s commitment to its partnership with Nigeria.
Read Also: Apologize Now: Nigeria Senate to Libya Over Super Eagles’ Harrowing Experience
