Toba Owojaiye Reporting
President Bola Tinubu has taken a significant diplomatic step by recalling all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non-career, according to a statement by Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, the Minister of Foreign Affairs. The announcement of this recall was officially made through a statement issued by Alkasim Abdulkadir, the Special Adviser to the Minister on Media and Communications Strategy.
The initial report of this recall began with the country’s envoy to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola, whose departure was confirmed by a recall letter from Ambassador Tuggar. This letter marked the conclusion of Ambassador Ishola’s tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
It contained a directive for Ishola to initiate the process of winding down his affairs and to formally bid farewell to the host government within a 60-day timeframe, with a final return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023.
Ambassador Tuggar’s statement clarified the broader scope of this recall, encompassing all career and non-career ambassadors. The decision was explicitly attributed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, highlighting the prerogative of the President to appoint and recall ambassadors as representatives of the nation in foreign countries.
Tuggar said “I seize this opportunity to express Mr President’s appreciation for the service you have rendered in your capacity as Nigeria’s Ambassador and Principal Representative in the United Kingdom.
“While looking forward to welcoming you in Abuja on your return, please allow me to join Mr President in thanking Your Excellency for your exemplary leadership and service to Nigeria. I wish you God’s continued guidance in your future endeavours.”
This sweeping recall of ambassadors is a notable diplomatic maneuver that underscores the President’s authority in shaping Nigeria’s international representation. It signals a potential shift in the nation’s foreign policy and diplomatic priorities, as new envoys are expected to be appointed to various posts in the coming months.
This development will likely be closely watched by both domestic and international observers as Nigeria reevaluates its diplomatic strategies and engagements on the global stage under the leadership of President Tinubu.