What happens in Nigeria will affect the world, says US envoy

Stuart Symington, the United States ambassador to Nigeria, says
whatever happens in Nigeria will affect the world.

According to the US Mission in Nigeria, Symington said this in
response to questions on the interest of the US in Nigeria’s
democracy.

It is unclear if the comment was made on the basis of the
tension between the federal government and some foreign countries
in recent times.

The federal government had kicked against the decision of the
European Union, US and UK, to comment on President Muhammadu
Buhari’s suspension of Walter Onnoghen, chief justice of
Nigeria.

In separate statements, the international community expressed
concern over the timing, saying the action could have effect on the
credibility of the elections.

“We urge that the issues raised by this decision be resolved
swiftly and peacefully in accordance with due process, full respect
for the rule of law, and the spirit of the Constitution of
Nigeria,” the US embassy in Nigeria had said in its statement.

But the presidency, in its response, had accused the US of undue
interference in Nigeria’s affairs.

Garba Shehu, presidential spokesman, had said the position of
the US and other European countries on Onnoghen’s suspension was
out of misunderstanding.

But writing via its Twitter handle on Monday, the US embassy
restated its support for the nation’s democracy.

“Why does the United States support Nigeria’s #democracy?” it
asked.

“Because what happens in Nigeria will affect the world … and it
depends on you. It depends on every Nigerian. – Ambassador W.
Stuart Symington.”

Why does the United States support Nigeria’s
#democracy?
Because what happens in Nigeria will affect the world … and it
depends on you.
It depends on every Nigerian. – Ambassador W. Stuart
Symington#USinNigeria pic.twitter.com/8WqKTBdbH5^[1][2][3]

— U.S. Mission Nigeria (@USEmbassyAbuja) January
28, 2019^[4]