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.