The attack on Nigerians reported in Guinea Bissau may not have passed away without the Federal Government reviewing the implications of the act. The latest in line of consideration has come from the Senate where the diplomatic implication of the event is receiving attention. Signals portend that a diplomatic row may ensue between Guinea Bissau and Nigeria with the possibility of retaliation over the recent attacks not ruled out of the advise perimeter to government about the neighbouring country.
The Senate Committee , chairman on Foreign Affairs, Senator Mathew Nwagwu, disclosed this in Abuja, on Monday. He however, added that the Federal Government had sent a powerful delegation to Guinea Bissau to meet with the authorities of the country over the attacks. It is also known that the government of Guinea Bissau has tendered apologies to Nigeria over the attacks which also had the Nigeria’s mission affected.
He made this known while addressing journalists after his meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Professor Viola Onwuliri, in his office.
Apparently irked over the development, the Minister expressed the need for the Nigerian government to carry out reprisal, as a result of the incident. This is usually because an attack on the diplomatic mission overseas is considered an attack on the country.
“I think it is time to really show our neighbours and our brothers in Africa that we (Nigeria) can bite, by showing our anger and disapproval of what has happened in rare times, otherwise, our people would be taken for granted and would be slapped, left and right.
“At the moment, I am aware that our government has sent a high powered delegation to that country to meet with authorities to get to all the facts on ground and then, give the government of Guinea Bissau some of our feelings and decides how this matter can be resolved.
“I cannot say all the details here but now our team is already in Guinea Bissau working with our Ambassador. They will be briefed on what happened and then, Nigeria will present its conditions for amicable resolution of this problem,” he said.
Nwagwu said the Federal Government would either demand restitution or other conditions from Guinea Bissau, to enable it to know the next line of action.
He described the attack as unfortunate, barbaric, unexpected and unwarranted, as Nigeria had its peace keeping forces in Guinea Bissau, to aid its stability.
