The Federal Government has warned the International community not to interfere in the affairs of the nation saying that such could create apprehension and distrust among the citizens.
FG’s warning was contained in a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu.
According to him, such interference could also undermine the transparency and acceptability of outcomes of the nation’s electoral process.
Shehu’s warning was in apparent reaction to statements issued by the UK, US and the European Union, over the suspension of the Chief Justice of Nigeria, CJN, Justice Walter Onnoghen by President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday.
Buhari had announced his suspension pending the final out of the case of false declaration of assets against him at the Code of Conduct Tribunal.
Recall that the President also swore in an acting CJN, Justice Ibrahim Tanko, to replace Onnoghen.
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Shehu in the statement said, “Nigeria reserves the right to be insulated from suggestions and or interference with respect to wholly internal affairs and commends international laws, customs and norms that mandate and require nations and the comity to respect this prerogative to all.
“Nigeria is confident of its electoral processes and her preparation for the imminent elections and the federal government has supported the independent electoral umpire in both its independence and resources needed to accomplish our desire and insistence on free and fair elections.’’
He however, noted that the federal government welcomed the keen interest and partnerships for successful elections and a peaceful Nigeria adding further that the government had ensured the independence of all organs, institutions and arms of government to “perform their functions in a manner that is transparent, and not lacking in integrity whether institutionally or by persons within such institutions or organs.’’
The president’s aide called on Nigerians to exercise their franchise in an orderly manner with the federal government’s assurance of their security during and after the elections.
