Nigeria has denied knowledge of an article in a newspaper accusing the Swiss envoy to Nigeria, Eric Mayooraz of bringing a male spouse to the country.
The article said the envoy is gay and has brought his male ‘wife’, a Brazilian to Nigeria. The partner was named as Carlos.
The story quoted a source in the Foreign Affairs ministry confirming that Mayooraz is single.
But in a response today, the Nigerian government said it was shocked by the article, which it considers ‘defamatory’.
“The Government has learned with shock and dismay of a defamatory article in a Nigerian newspaper against the Ambassador of the Swiss Confederation to Nigeria.
“I wish to state categorically that the Government has no knowledge whatsoever of any of the matters discussed in the article and could therefore not have authorized anyone to speak on its behalf in respect of them.
“With regard to the defamatory article, the Government has ordered an investigation and appropriate measures will be taken for any wrongdoing.
“It is to be emphasized that Nigeria and Switzerland enjoy very cordial relations.”
The statement was signed by Nigeria’s foreign affairs minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, now in China with President Muhammadu Buhari.
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