Former Southeast spokesman to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Josef Onoh, has dismissed claims by the African Democratic Congress (ADC) that the absence of Nigerian ambassadors abroad has caused a disastrous impact on the nation’s foreign relations.
He recently described the party’s remarks as misleading and alarmist.
Speaking via a press statement, Dr. Onoh revealed that ADC deserves criticism for disregarding the professionalism of the career diplomats who are presently managing Nigeria’s missions abroad.
According to him, the nation’s foreign engagements remain uninterrupted under the leadership of experienced foreign service officers acting as chargés d’affaires.
Defending Tinubu’s 2023 recall of ambassadors, Onoh stressed that it was a bold and necessary decision to reevaluate and realign Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities in response to evolving global dynamics.
He stated that the government is dedicated to appointing strategic representatives who will spearhead economic diplomacy and attract foreign investments, not mere placeholders.
“These officers have ensured Nigeria remains active in global discussions, including trade negotiations, security dialogues, and bilateral engagements. To suggest otherwise undermines their competence and dedication.
This process requires careful vetting and must align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which places competence above cronyism — a fact the ADC conveniently ignores,” he said.
He further noted that the visa and consular issues ADC highlighted have been existing before Tinubu became president, and they are being actively addressed at the moment.
Ono concluded by saying that economic diplomacy under Tinubu has already begun yielding foreign direct investment in technology, agriculture, and renewable energy.
“Nigeria, under President Tinubu, has strengthened its role in ECOWAS, expanded relations with African nations, and actively participated in forums like the G20 and UN General Assembly.
The Tinubu administration is not dragging its feet. It is meticulously working to ensure that Nigeria’s next set of ambassadors reflect the country’s renewed ambition to reclaim its leadership role both on the continent and globally.
The appointment of ambassadors will be announced in due course and will mark a new chapter in Nigeria’s assertive and purposeful foreign policy.
The administration’s clear and public stance reflects transparency and sovereignty,” he added.
