Our king never spoke with Jonathan, says Morocco as ambassador to Nigeria is recalled

Morocco has recalled its ambassador to Nigeria following the disagreement between both countries over an allegation that Mohammed VI (pictured), the country’s king, turned down President Goodluck Jonathan’s offer of having a phone conversation with him.

Morocco’s ministry of foreign affairs had alleged that the monarch snubbed Jonathan because he deemed the request inappropriate on the grounds of Nigeria’s forthcoming election.

“The request by Nigerian authorities for a phone conversation between HM King Mohammed VI and Nigerian President was deemed inappropriate on grounds that it is linked to the important elections in Nigeria and also because of Nigeria’s positions regarding the sacred national, Arab and Islamic causes,” the ministry said in a statement.

But the Nigerian government denied the allegation, saying both leaders held a conversation recently.

“Since the King was in France, and not in Morocco, both leaders spoke extensively over the phone on matters of mutual interest and concern that have nothing to do with the conduct of re-scheduled elections in Nigeria,” read a statement issued by Nigeria’s ministry of foreign affairs.

“It is therefore preposterous to suggest that Mr. President’s telephone call to the Moroccan Monarch was intended to confer any electoral advantage on the president.”

However, Morocco has insisted that there was no conversation with Jonathan.

“The King’s Office categorically denies the false allegations made by Nigerian authorities about an alleged phone conversation between the Sovereign and Nigerian President,” the King’s office reacted.

“The king has actually declined the request of the Nigerian government because it is part of the internal electioneering. The kingdom of Morocco expresses its astonishment and denunciation to these unethical practices that are contrary to the spirit of responsibility that must prevail in relations between states.”

Apparently dissatisfied with the conduct of Nigeria, the Moroccan authorities recalled its ambassador on Wednesday.