Unethical practices: Morocco recalls ambassador from Nigeria

The diplomatic crisis between Nigeria and Morocco has deepened with the North African country recalling its ambassador in Abuja over what it called ‘unethical practices’.
Morocco’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement, said it was recalling its ambassador for “further consultations”.
It is generally believed that the crisis borders on the March 28 presidential election as it was reported last week that King Mohammed VI spoke with President Goodluck Jonathan but the Moroccan government immediately countered it, insisting that the monarch never spoke with the Nigerian president.
To Moroccan officials, Jonathan and his aides are trying to use the Moroccan monarch to boost the electoral chances of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.
But Jonathan’s aides denied the allegation.
Last Sunday, Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Ministry, in a statement, denied reports that Jonathan was snubbed by King Mohammed because he was trying to curry favour with Muslim voters.
The statement reads: “This information is absolutely not correct as the president did in fact speak to the Moroccan monarch… both leaders spoke extensively over the phone on matters of mutual interest and concern”.
The next day, Morocco’s Foreign Ministry stated in “clearest and strongest terms” that “there has never been a phone conversation” between the two leaders.
“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,” said the statement.
It is generally believed this frosty relationship led to the recall of the ambassador from Abuja.