UK Speaks on Gowon’s Alleged CBN Looting

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Obiajulu Joel Nwolu

Obiajulu Joel Nwolu is an established writer at africannewstoday.com. He is passionate about African affairs. He loves writing about interesting facts relating to the African continent and enjoys sharing his knowledge with others.

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The United Kingdom has distanced itself from the indictment of former Nigerian Head of State, Yakubu Gowon, by a member of its parliament, Tom Tugendhat.

The UK lawmaker had on November 23, accused Gowon of looting half the Central Bank of Nigeria while he was the head of state. Tugendhat disclosed this during a debate by the parliament on Nigerian government officials embroiled in human rights abuses during the #EndSARS protests in Nigeria.

Commenting on the allegation, the UK in a letter signed by a member of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Nigeria Unit, identified as Angela stated that Tugendhat spoke in his own personal capacity, and his statement does not reflect the views of the British Parliament or the United Kingdom.

The clarification followed a petition to the British Parliament by a group, Igbo for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN), asking for details about the accusation.

Angela in the response said, “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.”