President Bola Tinubu has recalled all ambassadors, both career and non-career, according to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
In July 2020, the then President Muhammadu Buhari appointed 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors to man the nation’s foreign diplomatic missions.
In a statement on Saturday, the minister’s media aide, Mr. Alkasim Abdulkadir said: “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, Ambassador Sarafa Ishola.
In a letter dated 31st August 2023 and addressed to Ishola, 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”.
The Presidency however said that Nigeria’s United Nations (UN) permanent representatives in New York and Geneva have been exempted from the recall of ambassadors.
In a statement on Saturday, presidential spokesperson, Chief Ajuri Ngelale said the exemption of the representatives is due to the forthcoming UN general assembly.
Ngelale said the recall of the ambassadors takes immediate effect.
“The president’s directive is sequel to his careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian Consulate Offices and Embassies worldwide, and in line with the president’s renewed hope agenda,” the statement reads.
“The president is determined to ensure that world-class efficiency and quality, will henceforth, characterise foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents and prospective visitors alike”.
