THE Nigeria High Commissioner to Kenya, Ambassador Akin Oyateru, has hinged the deportation of Nigerian businessman, Anthony Chinedu who was among other six Nigerians deported from Kenya, on administrative lapses.

Throwing light on the incident when some group of journalists who were on familiarisation trip to Kenya at the instance of Kenya Airways paid him a courtesy call over the weekend, Oyateru endorsed the right of the government of Kenya to deport any erring citizen in her country, but added that this was expected to be done in conformity with international convention.

Oyateru, who is also the Permanent Representative to United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and United Nations Human Settlements (UN-Habitat) said: “I want to mention it that there is good rapport between the government of Nigeria and that of Kenya and the Federal Government recognises the fact that Kenya is a sovereign state with the right to deal with any erring foreign citizen.

“However, I submit that there should be an element of diplomacy coupled with strict adherence to procedures as spelt out in international convention in carrying out such an exercise.

“We are still discussing it and I very much believe we will reach a common ground because since I resumed here as Nigeria Ambassador to Kenya 11 months ago, this is the first of a similar incident that would take place,” he said.

Also commenting on Nigeria community in Kenya, Oyateru said there had been cordial relationship between him and them.

“They guide the young ones who are arriving Kenya newly on how to settle down as good citizens, advise them on self regulation and also monitor them,” he said.