The Federal Government has called on the Government of Canada to retract a Canadian court’s designation of some Nigerian political parties as terrorist organisations.
The government’s reaction is contained in a statement issued on Friday by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, signed by its spokesman, Kimiebi Ebienfa.
The court had while delivering judgement on an appeal filed by a Nigerian asylum-seeker, Douglas Egharevba, denied him his request.
The court declared that Egharevba, who arrived in Canada in Sept., 2017, was ineligible for Canadian residency because he was formerly a member of the said political parties who allegedly indulged in political violence.
The Nigerian government therefore admonished Canada to refrain from actions that could be misconstrued as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria.
“The designation is a baseless classification that is not only reckless, but constitutes an unacceptable interference in Nigeria’s internal affairs and democratic processes.
“Nigeria is a sovereign nation with robust legal and constitutional framework governing political activities. Our political parties operate within the ambit of the law and are integral to the country’s vibrant democracy.
“To associate legitimate political entities with terrorism without credible evidence is a grave misrepresentation that undermines Nigeria’s democratic institutions and could incite unnecessary tension,” the statement said.
“The Federal Government of Nigeria, therefore, calls on the Canadian authorities to immediately retract this erroneous designation and refrain from actions that could be misconstrued, as endorsing politically motivated narratives against Nigeria,” it added.
According to the Nigerian government, the Canadian Court only made a sweeping accusation against the entire membership of political parties that produced three democratically elected presidents, rather than focus on individuals found wanting.
The Federal Government also said that designating every member of the mentioned political parties as a potential terrorist, by implication, was completely false and unacceptable.
It said that diplomatic channels remained open for constructive dialogue, and urged the Government of Canada to engage with the relevant Nigerian institutions to rectify such an error.
“Nigeria remains committed to the global fights against terrorism and has made significant strides in countering extremist groups within its borders.
“The Federal Government, therefore, calls on the international community to disregard this misguided ruling and reaffirm its confidence in Nigeria’s democratic governance, and the Rule of Law.
“Government urges Nigerian nationals to refrain from making unfounded allegations against Nigeria, under the pretext of seeking asylum or favour from foreign entities,” the statement added.
