Following British lawmaker, Tom Tugendhat’s claim against former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon that he looted half of Central Bank Of Nigeria, the United Kingdom has dissociated itself from it.
It can be recalled that Tugendhat had alleged that “General Gowon left Nigeria with half of the Central Bank and moved to London.”
However reacting to a petition written to the British Parliament by a group, Igbo for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN) which demanded for details about the allegation, the UK government stated that Tom Tugendhat made the statement in his own personal capacity, and not for the British Parliament or United Kingdom.
The statement read;
“Thank you for your email of 29 November to the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office about the debate on Nigeria.
“I am replying as a member of the FCDO Nigeria Unit. I recognise there is concern about the comments made by Tom Tugendhat MP about former Nigerian Head of State, General Gowon, during the Westminster Hall debate on 23 November.
“I would like to clarify that Mr Tugendhat was speaking in a personal capacity and not on behalf of the UK Government.
“The High Commissioner has written to the Nigerian Foreign Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, as well as to General Gowon, to reiterate this point. Yours Sincerely, Angela.”