The Nigeria government is to begin talks with the United Kingdom (U.K.) over moves by the former colonial master’s parliament to impose sanctions on some federal and State government officials over their roles in surprising to suppress the recent #EndSARS protests.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, told journalists on Wednesday at the end of the weekly Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting that the Federal Government has already reached out to the British government to present its own side of the story.
While affirming that the lawmakers are not responsible for imposing sanctions, Mr Onyeama however noted that it is necessary to give to the U.K. government Nigeria’s own position to enable them to have a balanced perspective.
According to the Minister, “the U.K. government has been briefed. There was U.K. Parliamentarian meeting and U.K. government, which acts for the United Kingdom, has also heard the side of the (Nigerian) government regarding everything that has happened.
“So, we have been in touch with them and engaging with them. As in every democracy, members of parliament are able to also able to air their view.
“What is important is that balanced picture is made available to them before they take any decision.”