Nigeria Rebuffs Liberia’s Complaint Over Pastor Ayodele’s Remarks
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Nigerian government has formally distanced itself from controversial comments attributed to popular cleric Primate Elijah Ayodele regarding Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, insisting that the remarks do not reflect the official position of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
In a diplomatic response addressed to the Government of Liberia, Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the statements in question were made by a private citizen exercising his constitutional right to freedom of expression and should not be interpreted as representing government policy.
The response comes after Liberian authorities reportedly raised concerns over comments made by the Nigerian religious leader concerning President Boakai. Abuja, however, maintained that it bears no responsibility for opinions expressed by private individuals, regardless of their public profile or influence.
According to the correspondence signed by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, Nigeria remains committed to democratic principles, including the protection of free speech within the bounds of the law.
“Nigeria is a constitutional democracy where citizens are entitled to express their views freely,” the ministry emphasized, noting that the government does not censor private citizens for comments made about public officials, whether domestic or foreign.
The ministry further expressed surprise that remarks attributed to a private religious figure had become the subject of official diplomatic engagement between the two countries. It stressed that such statements cannot be regarded as the position of the Nigerian state and should not form the basis of diplomatic concerns.
While rejecting any official connection to the pastor’s remarks, the Nigerian government reaffirmed its longstanding friendship and cooperation with Liberia. The ministry highlighted the strong historical and bilateral ties between the two West African nations and called for continued collaboration on issues of mutual interest.
Abuja also encouraged both governments to focus diplomatic exchanges on matters of direct government-to-government importance, rather than statements made by private citizens acting independently of state institutions.
The diplomatic clarification is expected to ease tensions surrounding the controversy while reinforcing Nigeria’s commitment to maintaining cordial relations with Liberia.
Relations between Liberia and Nigeria have traditionally been strong, with both countries cooperating through regional bodies such as ECOWAS and the African Union. Observers say Nigeria’s response seeks to preserve those ties while drawing a clear distinction between the actions of private individuals and official government policy.
As discussions surrounding the pastor’s comments continue in public circles, Nigeria has made it clear that the views expressed by Primate Ayodele remain his personal opinions and should not be construed as the position of Africa’s most populous nation.