Protests: Nigeria won’t tolerate foreign interference, says minister

Protests: Nigeria won’t tolerate foreign interference, says minister

Nigeria will not tolerate any foreign interference in the #EndBadGovernance protests, which degenerated into violence in some parts of the country.

Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, sounded the warning on Wednesday when he met with members of the diplomatic corps in Abuja.

He said the government would not spare anyone funding the protests both within and outside Nigeria.

Tuggar said, “No nation tolerates foreign interference in its domestic affairs and that of its citizens. Nigeria is not an exception.

“The government would take appropriate action against any foreign entity residing in Nigeria that is found to have directly or indirectly supported the protesters by whatever means or seeks to interfere in the internal affairs of the country.

“Nigeria cherishes and continues to value the cordial relationships that happily subsist between her and your individual countries and organizations and will not do anything to undermine or take for granted such relationships.

“Indeed, more than any time before now, we solicit your understanding and collaboration in the ongoing efforts of the Federal government in addressing the economic challenges confronting the country, to achieve a better life for every Nigerians at home and abroad.”

The minister highlighted the government’s efforts to enhance socio-economic development, which he said had resulted in a reduction of debt servicing from 97% to 68%.

Tuggar stated that the past few days had seen bad narratives on social media currently threatening the peace and stability of the nation.

He, however, assured diplomats in the country that the Nigerian government remained committed to protecting members of the diplomatic corps as well as Nigerians in line with international laws.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Information, Mohammed Idris; representatives of the National Security Adviser, the Inspector General of Police, lawmakers and others.