By Louis Achi
With three months on the saddle, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has directed the recall of all Nigeria’s ambassadors, High Commissioners, Consuls-General and Chargé D’affaires (CDA) of Nigeria to over one hundred countries.
The recall is at the instance of President Tinubu at whose pleasure and prerogative all incumbents are serving in the present configuration of power in Nigeria.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar confirmed the recall of all ambassadors, Saturday, in a statement by his SA, Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
According to Abdulkadir, “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.”
This crop of Principal Envoys being recalled have served the country in these capacities for two years.
In recalling them, the federal government expressed President Tinubu’s appreciation to them serving in various jurisdictions across the world for their painstaking contributions to nation building and their uncommon service to the country.
A letter signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, sighted earlier by The New Diplomat, showing the recall of Nigeria’s Principal Envoy to the UK, Ambassador Sarafa Tunji Ishola, directed him to start the process of disengagement in 60 days and return to Nigeria by 30 October 2023.
The recall letter dated 31 August 2023, reads in part, “I have the honour to notify you of Mr. President’s decision to recall you, signalling 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 process 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 the United Kingdom.”
