Tinubu recalls all Nigerian Ambassadors, gives deadline for their return

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has instructed all Nigeria’s ambassadors, both career and non-career to return to Nigeria latest October 31.

This was as the President terminated the appointment of all the incumbent ambassadors of Nigeria to other countries of the world.

Disclosing the development, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Yusuf Tuggar in a statement through his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, Saturday, said that the diplomats are expected to commence the propose of winding down all official affairs forthwith.

He added that the recalled ambassadors are also required to formally exit their host countries and dissolve all bonds with their host government within sixty days as well as return to Nigeria by 31st October, 2023 at the latest.

It would be recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari had in July 2020 appointed 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors to man the nation’s foreign diplomatic missions.

The diplomats were deployed after they were confirmed by the Senate in accordance with section 171(2)(1c) and Subsection 4 of the 1999 Constitution.

However, in a recent development, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has ordered the immediate termination of their respective appointments and ordering their return to Nigeria.

The order follows the recalling of the Nigerian ambassador to the UK, Sarafa Ishola.

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.

Ambassador Ishola’s recall had raised public concern over the President’s reason for sacking the diplomat.

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.”

While Nigerians await the return of the nations’ diplomats, hopes are high that the president would not delay in the appointment of new ambassadors who would represent him in the nation’s foreign affairs.

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