Nigeria has recalled her Ambassador to Indonesia as it reviews her bilateral relations with the country, a statement from the Foreign Affairs Ministry has said.
Spokesperson of the Ministry, Esther Sunsuwa, predicated the governmen’s move on a viral video which showed Indonesian immigration officials snuffing the life out of a Nigerian diplomat inside a car. The diplomat kept screaming he couldn’t breathe as they continued to apply pressure to his neck.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has received a comprehensive report from the Nigerian Ambassador in Indonesia on the manhandling and arrest of a Nigerian diplomat.
“The Nigerian Government demands appropriate sanctions against the relevant officials and has recalled its Ambassador in Indonesia for consultations, including a review of bilateral relations, “ the statement said.
Recall that the Indonesian ambassador to Nigeria had apologised over the incident, but apparently after a review, the Nigerian government decided on further steps.
The statement adds, “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs had previously summoned the Indonesian Ambassador to the Ministry to express outrage and to protest strongly.
“After studying the report of the Nigerian Ambassador, the Nigerian Government condemns in the strongest terms what is in effect an egregious act of international delinquency by Indonesian State actors against an accredited representative of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, with absolutely no justification and against international law
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its resolve to protect the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians wherever they are in the world and calls for calm as consultations continue,”