Shortly after Representative Kalu introduced his motion in the Nigerian House of Representatives, the Chinese embassy responded with a short statement, published only in Chinese, on the embassy website.
The embassy framed its objection against the motion around “media reports” rather than directly taking on the Nigerian legislature or Representative Kalu himself.
On the afternoon of April 28, some Nigerian media reported that the House of Representatives of Nigeria passed a resolution that day requiring relevant government agencies to investigate and deal with the legal status of Chinese citizens in Nigeria.
The report misinterpreted the relevant procedural matters in the House of Representatives, severely distorted the facts, and caused undesirable reactions.
It was extremely irresponsible.
After verification, on the same day, individual Nigerian House members moved to demand a countermeasure against allegations that “Nigerian citizens were treated improperly in Guangzhou, China.”
Until the [relevant] committee submits a report, after the House of Representatives debates and adopts a resolution, no measures will be taken against the Chinese citizens in Nigeria.
Eric Olander
