By Favour Ulebor
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has disowned a letter circulating on social media and other online platforms, purportedly issued by the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Bianca Odumegwu Ojukwu, to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Liberia.
The ministry, in a statement signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, on Tuesday, described the document as fake, unauthorised and not issued through any official channel of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
According to the ministry, the letter falsely claimed to convey Nigeria’s position on statements attributed to a Nigerian religious leader and was allegedly addressed to Liberia’s Foreign Minister.
It added that the document should be regarded as a fabrication designed to mislead the public and create unnecessary diplomatic tension between Nigeria and Liberia.
The ministry further disclosed that a preliminary review of the purported correspondence revealed several inconsistencies with established diplomatic communication procedures and official correspondence protocols.
The statement in parts, “The Ministry wishes to categorically state that the said letter is fake, unauthorised, and did not emanate from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs or any official channel of the Federal Government of Nigeria.”
“The Ministry, therefore, urges members of the public, media organisations, and stakeholders to disregard the purported letter in its entirety and refrain from circulating unverified documents that are intended to mislead the public,” the statement added.
It also said the relevant authorities had been notified and that security agencies were taking steps to identify those behind the document and ensure they face the law.
Reaffirming Nigeria’s commitment to responsible diplomatic engagement, the ministry assured the Government and people of Liberia of Nigeria’s continued friendship, goodwill and highest consideration.
The statement stressed that the ministry remains committed to transparency, professionalism and the promotion of cordial relations with friendly nations.
