Nigerian Government assures Nigerians in Libya of safety

Olugbenga Ashiru, Minister for Foreign Affairs

Nigerian Government assures Nigerians in Libya of safety

The Nigerian Government has given an assurance that no harm would come to any Nigerian living in Libya.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Olugbenga Ashiru gave the assurance at a special media briefing in Abuja, the nation’s capital, to commemorate President Goodluck Jonathan’s 100 days in office.

Consolidating democracy in Africa

Ashiru said that Government had made contact with the National Transitional Council (NTC) in Libya on the need to ensure that no harm befalls any Nigerian or any black in that country.

He said the NTC had promised to protect the interests of Nigerians in view of the Nigerian government’s decision to recognise it as the legitimate authority in that country.

“We took the position to recognise a group that we felt was gaining ground, so that there will be orderly transition to power; so that there will be no more bloodshed. This was in the interest of Nigeria and I can say today that no Nigerian has been harassed or killed in Libya”, Ashiru said.

He said Nigeria was working towards achieving an early end to the Libyan crises by supporting the process that would allow Libyans to decide the future of their country.

“This is consistent with our new foreign policy focus to support the consolidation of democracy in Africa.’’

He reiterated that the ministry was pursuing intense bilateral relations with countries within the ECOWAS region on a wide range of issues, including economic cooperation and regional security.

The minister also said that more than 40 African countries had so far recognised the NTC, while China announced its support for the group on Monday.

NAN/Shakira/Ekata