Gowon: Reps To Summon British High Commissioner

The House of Representatives has moved to invite the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Catriona Laing over a recent allegation of looting levelled against against a former Head of State, Yakubu Gowon by a British lawmaker.

The planned invitation seeks an explanation from the British representative why no apology has been issued despite calls for same.

During Tuesday’s plenary, the House mandated its Committee on Foreign Affairs to interface with the Foreign Affairs Committee of the British parliament over the comments.

According to the House, the allegation of looting by a member of the British House of Commons against Gowon is capable of inciting the public and disturbing the peace of the country.

Read also: ‘He’s A Man Of Honour’ – Adesina Defends Gowon Amid Looting Allegation

The resolution of the house followed a motion from a lawmaker, Yusuf Gagdi, who is from the same constituency as the former head of state.

Gagdi maintained that no evidence was provided to back the claim.

Following Gagdi’s motion, the House resolved that the Speaker, Femi Gbajabiamila should write to the Speaker of the UK Parliament to express displeasure over the unfounded allegations.

The letter is also to demand that the Member of Parliament, who made the allegation, should offer a public apology to Gowon, as well as the people and government of Nigeria.

On November 23, a member of the British parliament accused Gowon of taking half of the money in the Central Bank of Nigeria with him when he went on exile.