The British Government has reportedly disowned the statement made by a member of British Parliament during a debate saying that former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon stole half of Central Bank of Nigeria.
The federal government through Ferdinand Nwonye, spokesman of the ministry of foreign affairs has also demanded an apology from the British government over the matter, calling for retraction of the statement.
It will be recalled that Tom Tugendhat, a member of UK parliament made the allegation which has generated mixed reactions
Tugendhat had said: “Some people will remember when General Gowon left Nigeria with half of the Central Bank, so it is said, and moved to London.”
Reacting, FG through Nwonye said when the government hear the allegation it, “immediately sought an apology and retraction of the unsubstantiated allegation from the British Government”.
Acccording to him, the federal government consulted with Charlotte Pierre, head of Africa Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, who condemned the statement.
Pierre reportedly said “the said comment of the MP does not reflect the views of Her Majesty’s Government and the British Government has no mechanism for controlling the actions and speeches of members of the Parliament.”
She told Nigeria to “discountenance the said comment of the MP, as Her Majesty’s Government has nothing to do with it”.
