Presidency says the Federal Government will not engage Ghana in any “street fight” over recent demolition of a building on the premises of the Nigerian High Commission in Accra.
Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, said this on Wednesday while speaking with State House correspondents in Abuja.
House of Representatives had on Tuesday faulted the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Geoffrey Onyeama, on the claim that Ghana has apologised to Nigeria on the demolition.
The House, which dismissed call for diplomatic negotiations by the minister, insisted that Nigeria should seek retaliation against Ghana over the demolition, which it described as an attack on the country.
But Shehu said that the issue would be resolved diplomatically, adding that Ghanaian President, Nana Akufo-Addo, showed leadership by personally calling President Muhammadu Buhari, to tender his country’s apologise.
He said, “The President of Ghana has called and regretted the action and apologised to the President of Nigeria.
“I think he has shown leadership in the matter and what should Nigeria do? These are two leading countries in West Africa.
“Nigeria will not engage in a street fight with Ghana. This cannot happen.
“So, the two leaders, especially President Muhammadu Buhari, who is much respected in Africa, they all call him ‘Baba’ (father), so he is bound to show restraint.
“Matters such as this when they arise, it is always better when they arise, they should be resolved diplomatically. No, there shouldn’t be a fight between Nigeria and Ghana, this will not happen.”