FG Slams US Embassy for Interfering in Internal Affairs, Cites Diplomatic Breach
By: Israel Adeleke
OPEN TELEVISION NAIJA (OTN) News reports that the Federal Government of Nigeria has strongly criticised the United States Embassy for what it describes as undue interference in Nigeria’s domestic affairs, accusing the diplomatic mission of overstepping its bounds by promoting a media report that disparages Nigerian state governors.
OTN News further reports that the backlash follows the circulation of a critical article published by The Africa Report, which lambasted state governors, specifically, Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and Governor Inuwa Yahaya of Gombe State, for alleged extravagant spending on government buildings.
Senior government sources in Abuja expressed outrage over the U.S. Mission’s alleged role in amplifying the report, describing it as a “smear campaign” thinly veiled as press freedom.
“The embassy’s actions are not only inappropriate but violate diplomatic norms,” a senior government official said, adding that “they have crossed the line into political interference.”
Officials defended the governors mentioned in the article, praising Makinde and Yahaya as examples of prudent financial management, effective public service delivery, and regular salary payments to workers. The Federal Government insisted that both governors have demonstrated fiscal responsibility in their respective states.
Sources within the government further alleged that the controversial report may have been motivated by personal grievances.
According to them, the publisher of The Africa Report had previously sought sponsorship from the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for an “Africa Roundtable” event but was denied.
The rejection, they claim, led to strained relations and ultimately to the publication of the unfavourable article.
“This isn’t journalism. It’s retaliation disguised as reporting, and the U.S. Mission’s role in spreading it is unacceptable,” another official stated.
Citing Article 41(1) of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, which prohibits diplomatic missions from interfering in the internal affairs of host countries, government sources said the actions of the U.S. Embassy breached international diplomatic protocols.
This latest episode adds to growing diplomatic tensions between Abuja and Washington. The Federal Government had earlier condemned a July 15, 2025, U.S. travel advisory warning its citizens to avoid 18 Nigerian states over security and health concerns.
Nigerian officials dismissed the advisory as alarmist and misleading, arguing that it failed to reflect the safety and stability of major urban centres such as Lagos and Abuja.
“We have our challenges, but many regions in Nigeria are safer than some U.S. cities,” a senior diplomat noted, pointing to America’s own issues with gun violence and public safety.
Despite the ongoing friction, Nigerian officials have reiterated their commitment to maintaining cordial relations with the United States, emphasising that such partnerships must be founded on mutual respect.
“We value our partnership with the U.S.,” a presidential aide said, adding that “but respect must be mutual. Our internal affairs are not open to foreign interference.”
What's Your Reaction?
