Abuja — Following the uncomplimentary remarks made by the Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi that Nigeria should be divided into two between the Christians and Muslims, Nigeria yesterday recalled its Ambassador to Libya, Isa Mohammed in protest against the statement.

Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ozo Nwobu told newsmen in Abuja that the recall was with immediate effect because the statement was insensitive and cast a serious doubt on the person of Gaddaffi as a serious leader.

He said Mohammed was expected to report in Abuja immediately for further briefing and consultations even as he insisted that recalling the ambassador does not necessarily mean that relations with Libya was being severed.

He said: "It is a form of formal protest which is allowed in diplomacy. The insensitive and oftentimes irresponsible utterances of Gaddafi, his theatrics and grandstanding at every auspicious occasion have become too numerous to recount. These have, indeed, diminished his status and credibility as a leader to be taken seriously.

"His comments on the crisis in Jos are most unacceptable and unbecoming of any leader who claims to advocate and champion the course of African integration and unity. Our Ambassador in Tripoli has been recalled for urgent consultations", the spokesperson announced.

The federal government however reassured Nigerians and the international community that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Nigeria can not be debated and would be guided jealously no matter the thinking of some people and groups that are misguided about the oneness of Nigeria.

While regretting the incessant loss of innocent lives and wanton destruction of properties, government reassured that the perpetrators would be brought to justice.

Libya does not have a mission in Nigeria in spite of existing bilateral relations between her and Nigeria.