Following the allegation of financial looting levelled against a former Nigerian Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon (retd), the government of the United Kindom has finally reacted.
The Nation reports that the United Kingdom distanced itself from the alleged looting, saying that a member of its parliament, Tom Tugendhat, who made the allegation is on his own.
It was gathered that the action followed a petition to the British parliament by a group, Igbo for a Progressive Nigeria (IPAN), demanding details about the allegation.
The report said that Tugendhat had during the Westminster Hall debate on November 23, accused Gowon of looting half of the Central Bank of Nigeria while he (Gowon) held sway.
Tugendhat had said:
“Some people would remember when General Gowon left Nigeria with half of the Central Bank, so it is said, and moved to London.”
The newspaper also noted that while replying IPAN’s petition in a letter dated December 21 and signed by a member of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office, Nigeria unit, one Angela disclosed that Tugendhat made the statement in his own personal capacity, and not for the British Parliament or the United Kingdom.
Angela said:
“I am replying as a member of the FCDO Nigeria Unit. I recognise there is concern about the comments made by Tom Tugendhat MP about former Nigerian Head of State, General Gowon, during the Westminster Hall debate on 23 November.”
