Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has debunked the rumour making the rounds on social media that President Bola Tinubu has shortlisted names of ambassadors to represent the country in its embassies.
In a statement issued on Sunday, and signed by its spokesperson, Kimiebi Ebienfa, the ministry clarified that no such appointments have been made, as it stated emphatically that the appointment of ambassadors is solely the prerogative of the President.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to inform the general public to kindly disregard the fake list of ambassadorial nominees which is currently in circulation on some social media platforms.
“The ministry wishes to state unequivocally that the appointment of ambassadors is the prerogative of Mr President, and no such appointments have been made in that regard.
“The purported list should, therefore, be discountenanced,” the statement read.
Nigeria has 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions and 11 consulates around the globe.
Recall that on September 2, 2023, President Bola Tinubu recalled all career and non-career ambassadors operating the country’s diplomatic missions, embassies and consulates globally.
A statement by the ministry confirmed the recall, saying, “Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, has clarified that all career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Tinubu.”
The envoys were directed to return to the country on or before October 31, 2023.
They include the 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors appointed by Former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2020.
However, over a year after, ambassadors are yet to be appointed and deployed to various countries.