Sir, - My attention has been drawn to the press reports (May 17th) arising from the reply sent to Trocaire on the latter's visa application for an Irish parliamentary delegation to visit Nigeria on a fact finding mission.
The Nigerian government attaches great importance to her long standing, deep and multi dimensional friendly relations with Ireland. That it has proven difficult to accommodate a request for a parliamentary fact finding visit as proposed, should not be regarded as Nigeria distancing or turning her back on a friendly country. Rather Nigeria's action should be seen in the context of present circumstances.
Contrary to the view that "this action poses serious questions abut the Nigerian government's claims that the transition to democracy is proceeding as planned", the truth remains that implementation of the transition to democracy has in fact, played a large part in making the timing of the visit unsuitable. The government has delivered on its promise to create structures and institutions that would facilitate a peaceful transition to civil rule. The structures of government as promised in the transition programme have been put in place and are already functional.
With the recent successful conclusion of local government elections, government is on target in the second quarter of 1996 in implementing the provisions of the transition programme - namely, creation of states, local governments, formation and registration of political parties. It is rightly focussing on immediate national issues that will enhance a smooth democratic transition to civil rule.
It is on record that Nigeria has encouraged and received fact finding teams from the UN, including independent observers from the United States and others, when the timing was conducive. The sole reasons therefore, that mitigated against the visit of the Irish parliamentary delegation were evidently timing and commitments.
In light of the above, it is unfair to portray this action as "unfriendly" and "isolationism", when in fact my government is genuinely committed to implementation of its transition programme, while continuing to uphold the principles and practice of freedom of speech, freedom of association and freedom of movement of her citizens. - Yours, etc.,
Charge d'Affaires a.i.,
Embassy of Nigeria,
Leeson Park,
Dublin 6.