For using the name of its royal leader, King Mohammed VI, in issues concerning election campaign, Morocco has recalled it’s ambassador from Nigeria.
The country’s foreign ministry had issued a statement denying the king’s involvement in any matter concerning the forthcoming elections, as reported last week.
It had been widely rumoured that President Goodluck Jonathan was trying to employ the monarch’s help in winning over the Muslim population in the country, while a counter report had been issued that Jonathan was snubbed by the king.
But Moroccan authorities had said the king turned down a phone conversation with the president, describing it as inappropriate.
Yet, the Nigerian foreign ministry had insisted that there was indeed an “extensive discussion” between the two leaders.
“Since the King was in France and not in Morocco, both leaders spoke extensively over the telephone on matters of mutual interest and concern that have nothing to do with the conduct of re-scheduled elections in Nigeria,”
“It is therefore preposterous to suggest that Mr President’s telephone call to the Moroccan monarch was intended to confer any electoral advantage on the President.”
These led to another denial, now in stronger terms by the Moroccan authorities.
“The King’s Office categorically denies the false allegations made by Nigerian authorities about an alleged phone conversation between the Sovereign and Nigerian President,” a statement from the king’s office read.
The country’s foreign ministry, adding it’s voice said: “The king has actually declined the request of the Nigerian government because it is part of the internal electioneering and this country’s fundamentally hostile positions with regard to the territorial integrity of the Kingdom.
“The kingdom of Morocco expresses its astonishment and denunciation to these unethical practices that are contrary to the spirit of responsibility that must prevail in relations between states.”
Consequently, the country’s ambassador to Nigeria in Abuja has been recalled immediately for consultations, the statement added.
