Nigeria Says Ayodele’s Remarks Are Personal Opinions

ABUJA, NIGERIA: The Federal Government of Nigeria has responded to Liberia’s diplomatic complaint regarding remarks made by Nigerian cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele about President Joseph Boakai, stating that the comments were made by a private citizen and do not represent the official position of the Nigerian government.

In a letter signed by Foreign Affairs Minister Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria emphasized its commitment to freedom of expression and noted that it does not censor private individuals for opinions expressed about public officials or foreign leaders. The government also reaffirmed its longstanding bilateral relationship with Liberia and urged both nations to focus on matters of mutual government-to-government concern.