U.S. Denies Instigating Bankole's Arrest

This Day

12 June 2011

U.S. Denies Instigating Bankole's Arrest

The United States Saturday denied influencing President Goodluck Jonathan to order the arrest of former Speaker, House of Representatives, Mr. Dimeji Bankole.

A top official of the US Embassy in Nigeria, Mr. Peter Claussen, told THISDAY during a telephone interview Saturday that at no time did the US meddle in the internal affairs of Nigeria.

His denial is against the backdrop of a report by a newspaper (not THISDAY) that the US pressurised Jonathan to order Bankole’s arrest.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission last Sunday arrested the former speaker in Abuja ahead of his promise to honour the commission’s invitation the next day.