President Jonathan recently spoke out on the allegation that there was a diplomatic row between Nigeria and Morocco resulting in the latter recalling its envoy after he spoke to King Mohammed VI. GEJ categorically said that he never spoke to the Moroccan monarch and it was a malicious rumor circulated by some vicious parties in a calculated move.
The President who was highly embarrassed by this episode, made his point of views known in a press statement issued by his aide in charge of media liaison, Rueben Abati:
” I am shocked, surprised and highly embarrassed by the controversy that has erupted over whether or not he had a telephone conversation with His Majesty, King Mohammed VI of Morocco.”
“In continuation of his efforts in support of the candidacy of the Minister of Agriculture, Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina for headship of the AfDB, President Jonathan indicated that he would like to speak with the King of Morocco, the President of Algeria and the President of Egypt,” the statement continues , “President Jonathan has spoken with the Prime Minister of Algeria and subsequently sent Vice President Namadi Sambo to Algiers as Special Envoy to follow-up on his discussions with the Algerian Prime Minister on support for Nigeria’s candidate in the coming elections for the AfDB Presidency. The President has, however, not yet spoken with King Mohammed VI and President Al-Sisi of Egypt as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must know,” it adds.
“The investigation is to identify all those who were responsible for the unacceptable act of official misinformation which has resulted in an unnecessary diplomatic row with another country and national embarrassment. It is also expected to unveil the motives of the culprits. President Jonathan has also ordered that prompt and commensurate disciplinary action be taken against the culpable person or persons.”
