British High Commissioner Richard Montgomery has issued a statement clarifying the United Kingdom’s position on the recent Yoruba Nation petition handed to 10 Downing Street. The petition, submitted by Nigerian national Sunday Adeyemo, has generated significant controversy and misinformation.
Montgomery acknowledged the concerns expressed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs regarding press coverage of the petition. During a meeting on October 14, 2024, the High Commissioner reassured the Minister that the petition was not endorsed by any official body of the UK government or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee.
“The petition was in no way endorsed by any official body of the UK government or the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee,” Montgomery stated. “The delivery merely reflected an established practice of allowing the delivery of letters and petitions to No. 10.”
The High Commissioner emphasized that the UK government does not involve itself in the sovereign affairs of other countries. “Any petition concerning the sovereign affairs of another country is not a matter for the UK government,” he noted. “This is a matter for the government and legislature of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
Montgomery highlighted that similar petitions have been rejected by the UK Parliamentary Petitions Committee and the UK government in the past. He reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to respecting Nigeria’s sovereignty and assured continued liaison with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The High Commissioner also underscored the importance of the bilateral partnership between the UK and Nigeria. “We have made significant progress on a range of issues with the present administration of His Excellency President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in areas such as enhanced trade and investment, security and defense, and home affairs,” Montgomery said.
In conclusion, Montgomery expressed his highest regards for the Minister of Foreign Affairs and reaffirmed the UK’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Nigeria.
The clarification by the British High Commissioner aims to dispel misinformation surrounding the Yoruba Nation petition and reaffirm the UK’s respect for Nigeria’s sovereignty. The statement is expected to ease tensions and reinforce the strong partnership between the two nations.
