ABUJA – 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 overseas has brought on a “disastrous” influence on the nation’s international relations.
Reacting to the ADC’s latest assertion on ambassadorial appointments, Dr. Onoh described the social gathering’s remarks as “deceptive and alarmist,” stressing that they disregard the professionalism of profession diplomats presently managing Nigeria’s missions overseas.
In keeping with him, Nigeria’s international engagements stay uninterrupted underneath the management of skilled international service officers performing as chargés d’affaires. “These officers have ensured Nigeria stays energetic in international discussions, together with commerce negotiations, safety dialogues, and bilateral engagements. To counsel in any other case undermines their competence and dedication,” he mentioned.
Onoh defended President Tinubu’s 2023 recall of ambassadors, describing it as a “daring and needed” resolution to reevaluate and realign Nigeria’s diplomatic priorities in response to evolving international dynamics. He said that the administration is dedicated to appointing “strategic representatives” who will champion financial diplomacy and entice international investments, not mere placeholders.
He criticized the ADC for failing to acknowledge the administration’s deliberate and methodical method in choosing new envoys. “This course of requires cautious vetting and should align with the Renewed Hope Agenda, which locations competence above cronyism — a truth the ADC conveniently ignores,” Onoh mentioned.
Addressing the ADC’s reference to diplomatic frictions with the USA and the United Arab Emirates, Onoh mentioned the visa and consular points cited by the social gathering predate the Tinubu administration and are being actively addressed. He additionally rejected the ADC’s declare that Nigeria’s response to the USA over Venezuelan deportees was reckless, saying, “The administration’s clear and public stance displays transparency and sovereignty.”
He additional dismissed allegations that Nigeria is absent from main international conversations. “Nigeria, underneath President Tinubu, has strengthened its position in ECOWAS, expanded relations with African nations, and actively participated in boards just like the G20 and UN Normal Meeting,” he mentioned, including that financial diplomacy underneath Tinubu has already begun yielding international direct funding in know-how, agriculture, and renewable power.
“The Tinubu administration is just not dragging its toes. It’s meticulously working to make sure that Nigeria’s subsequent set of ambassadors replicate the nation’s renewed ambition to reclaim its management position each on the continent and globally,” Onoh said.
He urged Nigerians to ignore the ADC’s “politicized rhetoric” and belief the administration’s diplomatic imaginative and prescient. “The appointment of ambassadors might be introduced sooner or later and can mark a brand new chapter in Nigeria’s assertive and purposeful international coverage,” he concluded.
The submit Onoh defends Tinubu’s diplomatic strategy, dismisses ADC’s criticism as alarmist appeared first on Vanguard News.
