In a statement signed by Senate's spokesman,Ayogu Eze,yesterday,the upper legislative chamber denied media reports that it had given US a seven day ultimatum to reverse the classification.

The statement entitled:"The Senate did not issue a seven-day ultimatum" read:"We have followed with interest the misrepresentations in the media regarding our comments in rejecting the classification of Nigeria as a nation to be kept under watch in America"s fight against terrorism.

"At no point did the Senate give a seven -day ultimatum.What I said at the press briefing and this is verifiable from the bodies of the stories with the misleading headlines was that we rejected the classification and demanded that our name be taken off that list.

"I followed up by stating that when the Senate resumes next,it will engage all its diplomativ and legislative gears to bring about the reversal.

"It was therefore surprising that well-meaning Nigerians for whom the Senate has so much respect would be misled by these screaming headlines to make comments on the matter without first of all acquainting themselves with facts of the case.

"The comment by Prof. Wole Soyinka referring to the Senate position as being absurd is most unfortunate because I had expected that being one of the captains of the literary ship in Nigeria,he should have read the entire comment from the Senate before casting aspersion on the institution for something that did not happen at all.

"It is wrong for those the Senate holds in high esteem to attack its reputation and seek to rubbish its actions without justification.I am constrained to observe that Prof. Soyinka is gradually falling into this group of Nigerians who offer opinions hastily without first obtaining all sides to an issue.

"I wish to restate that the Senate rejects the obnoxious classification which was done without due consultation with relevant authorities in Nigeria.

"We also want to use this opportunity to restate our opposition to terrorism in any form from any quarters.

SOURCE :GUARDIAN MONDAY 11 JANUARY 2010

Quite outrageous!