The Senate President, Godswill Akpabio has explained the rationale behind the recent evacuation of its staff by the government of the United States of America.
Akpabio said the US government was worried that Iran might attack its embassies in Nigeria following the prolonged crisis between the two countries.
The Senate President made this assertion during the inauguration of the National Assembly Service Commission’s new headquarters in Abuja on Tuesday, April 14.
According to Akpabio, the action by the US government is not peculiar to Nigeria but to other nations prone to attacks by the Iranian government.
“Some people say that even now that some embassies are closing down. Not many embassies are closing down. Many of the embassies are afraid of repercussions from their foes.
“For instance, I can say that America is a bit worried about the bomb blast from Iran, and so across the world, they have to reduce their staff in case Iran decides to attack their embassies,” Akpabio said.
Further assuring that Nigeria will remain peaceful despite the growing political tensions within the country, the Senate President God will protect the nation.
He said, “When people are thinking, oh, Nigeria’s embassies are closing because the election is coming. It’s not because the election is coming.
“The election will come and go, and God will protect you. God will protect Nigeria. Nigeria will outlive this election,” the Senate President stated.
Recall that the US government had recently issued a security advisory to its citizens across Nigeria.
The US Department of State in its advisory ordered the evacuation of staff members and closure of its embassy in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city.
While the Lagos consulate continues operations, the US government has also listed 23 Nigerian states that should be avoided by its citizens.