In a decisive response to mounting diplomatic tensions with Washington, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to announce a new wave of ambassadorial appointments next week. The move follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent threat of possible military intervention in Nigeria over alleged “Christian persecution,” a statement that has triggered a diplomatic storm between both nations.
Key Highlights:
- Tinubu to unveil new ambassadors after two-year diplomatic vacuum.
- Move comes amid Trump’s warning over alleged “Christian genocide” in Nigeria.
- Nigeria recalls all ambassadors since 2023; critics blame Tinubu for delayed replacements.
- ADC and other parties accuse the government of leaving Nigeria exposed diplomatically.
- U.S. designation of Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” sparks outrage.
- Security services ordered to fast-track vetting of new envoys to “strategic nations.”
- Possible Tinubu-Trump meeting to ease tension under discussion.
Trump’s sharp remarks have rattled Abuja, prompting urgent consultations within the presidency. His administration’s decision to label Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over alleged religious persecution drew condemnation from Nigerian lawmakers and civic groups, who called the statement an affront to the nation’s sovereignty.
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Tinubu’s administration, which recalled all Nigerian ambassadors and high commissioners from more than 110 missions in 2023, is now facing pressure to quickly restore full diplomatic representation. The prolonged vacancies have been described by opposition parties such as the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as a “strategic blunder” that weakened Nigeria’s global standing.
Presidential aides confirmed that the selection process has entered its final phase, with top candidates expected to be deployed to the United States, United Kingdom, China, and Saudi Arabia, countries considered central to Nigeria’s foreign policy and security agenda.
Officials close to the presidency said the appointments would not only fill longstanding gaps but also “assert Nigeria’s diplomatic independence” in the face of external pressure.
Former Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso and other political leaders have urged Tinubu to consider appointing special envoys to engage directly with Washington and defuse the crisis.
Reactions across social media have been mixed, with some Nigerians accusing the government of reacting too late, while others see the appointments as a necessary show of strength. One viral comment read, “Trump sneezed, Tinubu appoints ambassadors,” a phrase now trending on X (formerly Twitter).
Despite the diplomatic tension, Nigerian officials insist the country remains committed to addressing internal security issues, such as banditry, insurgency, and religious violence, without external intervention.
As the presidency finalizes its list of nominees, observers say the next few days will be crucial in defining Tinubu’s foreign policy approach and Nigeria’s future relationship with the United States.
