Posted by MALACHY UZENDU, Abuja on
BRITISH High Commission in Nigeria yesterday denied reports that it issued security alert to its nationals in the Niger Delta following the trial of Governor Dieprieye Alamieyesiegha and the Niger Delta Peoples Volunter Force (NDPVF) leader, Mujahid Dokubo Asari.
BRITISH High Commission in Nigeria yesterday denied reports that it issued security alert to its nationals in the Niger Delta following the trial of Governor Dieprieye Alamieyesiegha and the Niger Delta Peoples Volunter Force (NDPVF) leader, Mujahid Dokubo Asari.
It also dismissed the President Olusegun Obasanjo third term bid in 2007, declaring that the president would respect the constitution.
Denying the security report, the High Commission, Mr Richard Gozney said the Niger Delta people were aware that the British government was not on vendetta in the case involving both personalities.
Gov Alamieyesiegha, it would be recalled, has since last month been arraigned in a London court over alleged money laundering, while Dokubo Asari is facing a treasonable felony charge in Abuja.
The envoy who spoke yesterday in Abuja explained that given the situation on ground, British nationals in the Niger Delta have been going about their business without fear of molestation.
Following insinuations that youth in the area might unleash terror on British on other foreign nationals, Mr Gozney said he held talks with a cross-section of the leadership of the Niger Delta people where he got assurances that there was no cause for worry.
"I spoke with some high figures, traditional rulers and many other groups in the area. We were encouraged by what they said especially when we explained to them what was going on in London in connection with the governor and that we have no hand in the trial of Mr Dokubo Asari.
"We didn't have any need to warn our citizens about their safety, but I know they will be a little bit cautious because there had been cases of kidnapping.
"But, a lot of British people work in the Niger Delta, even in small companies and they have carried on with their work, but, we didn't change the reference nor issued a caution, "Mr Gozney explained.