FG Goes Tough On Diplomats - Withdraws Immunity Privileges
Idowu Samuel, Abuja - 08.12.2006

HENCEFORTH, foreign ambassadors coming to Nigeria will no longer enjoy diplomatic immunity as the rare privilege has finally been withdrawn by the Federal Government. The new tough stance by the government of Nigeria against the incoming diplomats is aimed at enhancing the dignity of Nigeria in the comity of nations in which the country prefers to be respected with her laws.


By the new directive meant to be strictly implemented by the Ministry of Aviation, any foreign head of government and ambassador coming to Nigeria would be thoroughly searched with the aim of preventing him from breaking the laws of the land.


Saturday Tribune learnt that the Federal Government has just embraced a repository pressure in relating with other countries across the globe and was bent on carrying out the new measure to the letter.


It was learnt that the ignominious treatment usually meted to Nigeria’s top government functionaries, including President Olusegun Obasanjo at different airports outside Nigeria, informed the new measure.


A top presidency source who pleaded anonymity, told Saturday Tribune that since Nigerian officials have not been enjoying diplomatic immunity in specific countries across Europe, mainly none of such countries has the right to the privilege in Nigeria also.


Against this background, the Federal Government has also withdrawn the privilege of multiple destinations for foreign airlines, an indication that none of them would be allowed to ply any extra route aside the one officially approved for them.


In view of this development, the Federal Government has ordered the Federal Inland Revenue Services (FIRS) to immediately initiate moves aimed at recovering a total sum of $500 million owed Nigeria by foreign airlines.


It was learnt that only Virgin Atlantic and Air India are the airliners in Nigeria that had duly registered to formerly operate in the country. The aviation minister had penultimate Friday, walked out on the German Ambassador on account of the envoy’s rudeness in his approach to him during their meeting in Abuja.


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I don't know why it took a long time?You need to see the way diplomats and well travelled Nigerians are "disturbed"at airports when travelling!It's time we do something!