An inquiry into the purported meeting between Bola Tinubu, the president-elect of Nigeria, and Kayode Ariwoola, the country’s chief justice, has been requested in a letter by Emmanuel Ogebe, a Nigerian lawyer working in the United States, to the British government.
After allegations that Ariwoola and Tinubu met in secret to discuss the legal ramifications of the litigation contesting the latter’s election victory, Ogebe is requesting action from the British government.
The lawyer urged them to investigate into reports of Ariwoola’s condition while alerting them of how Nigerian politicians allegedly turned Britain into a meeting place for political projects.
Ogebe also wants Tinubu’s visa revoked.
“Nigeria’s politicians have of late made your kingdom’s capital Mecca for their political machinations.
“Senator Tinubu, in particular, had numerous meetings, consultations and strategy sessions in London in the run-up to the elections, as did others”, he noted.
Speaking further, Ogebe accused Tinubu of making inciting statements during one of his numerous meetings in London.
According to him, Tinubu’s words led to many Nigerians being ethnically profiled and disenfranchised during the presidential election.
“Political power is not to be served in a restaurant. It’s not served a la carte. It’s what we are doing.
“Fight for it. Grab it. Snatch it and run with it”, were the words Ogebe recalled Tinubu saying.
The Nigerian lawyer wants the UK government to “restrict the visa of Senator Tinubu from coming to the UK for his party’s role in the violent and deadly suppression of voters in Lagos state, including the murder of a Labour party polling agent at the Trade Fair area.”
The restriction, if put in place, would require Tinubu to reapply for a UK visa, primarily for official visits, if he becomes president.
“If he is sworn in as president and obtains a diplomatic passport, he can reapply for a UK visa for official visits thereafter”, Ogebe said.
He added that it is imperative that the foreign government aid Nigeria in its fight to curb “attempted trafficking in injustice.”