In a significant diplomatic move, President Bola Tinubu has issued a directive for the recall of all Nigerian ambassadors, regardless of their career status.
This announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar, as conveyed through his media spokesperson, Alkasim Abdulkadir, on a recent Saturday.
It is noteworthy that the deployment of these ambassadors, comprising both non-career and career diplomats, was initially carried out in July 2020 during the tenure of former President Muhammadu Buhari.
The appointments of 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors were made to oversee Nigeria’s foreign diplomatic missions. These appointments followed Senate confirmation procedures as outlined in section 171(2) (1c) and Subsection 4 of the 1999 Constitution.
The statement confirming the recall of the ambassadors states:
“Sequel to the inquiries on the letter recalling the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, has clarified that all career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors have been recalled on the instructions of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Ambassadors as representatives of the country serve at the behest of the President and it’s his prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”
The clarification became necessary over the recall of Nigeria’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Sarafa Ishola.
In a letter dated August 31, 2023, and addressed to Ishola by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tuggar wrote:
“I have the honor to notify you of Mr. President’s decision to recall you, signaling the end of your tenure as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
“By this communication, you are now expected to commence the propose of winding down your affairs, and take formal leave of your host government within sixty days and to return to Nigeria by 31st October, 2023 at the latest.
“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 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.
“Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurance of my highest consideration.”
