FG has lambasted ADC over ambassadorial appointments among others comments.
NaijaOnPoint Nigeria reports that the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has lambasted the African Democratic Congress (ADC) over its comments on the delay in the appointment of ambassadors.
The ministry also described as “false” and “insulting” ADC’s assertion that Nigerian missions have become “sorry symbols”.
Reacting to the opposition coalition’s criticism, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar, described the claims as “alarmist, politically motivated, and fundamentally misinformed”.
The minister noted that the claim of the party undermines the efforts of foreign service officers who serve under difficult conditions.
In a statement yesterday in Abuja by his media aide, Alkasim Abdulkadir, the minister said: “Nigeria remains fully and effectively represented in all of its foreign missions by seasoned diplomats and experienced chargés d’affaires.
“These professionals continue to advance Nigeria’s interests, uphold consular services, facilitate trade and investment, and safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad.
“The ADC’s assertion that Nigerian missions have become ‘sorry symbols’ is not only false but insulting to the hardworking men and women of Nigeria’s foreign service.
“It is categorically untrue that morale is at its ‘lowest.’ Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with distinction.”
Highlighting the recent international engagements of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Abdulkadir alluded to the meetings Ambassador Tuggar held with his foreign counterparts from the U.S., UK, Germany, China, Japan, and Egypt, as well as active participation in BRICS, the African Union, and ECOWAS as evidence of Nigeria’s strong diplomatic presence.
Elucidating on the situation about ambassadorial appointments, the minister stressed that it was not a matter of “partisan appeasement”.
He added: “The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function, not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement,” the ministry said. “President Tinubu…is committed to reforming the foreign service architecture to ensure that future postings are driven by merit, competence, national interest, and strategic alignment, not patronage or expediency.
The ministry debunked the ADC’s claim that Nigeria mishandled a reported U.S. proposal to accept Venezuelan deportees, stating that the government’s response was “clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights”.
The statement added: “The notion that the Foreign Minister’s public articulation of Nigeria’s position was a diplomatic faux pas ignores the realities of modern diplomacy, where transparency and responsible communication are increasingly vital.”
Calling the ADC’s commentary a product of “political opportunism,” the ministry urged political actors to avoid using foreign policy as a tool for partisan attacks.
“Diplomacy must not be used as a tool for partisan attacks too valuable to be undermined by sensationalism and. Nigeria’s global reputation is domestic political point-scoring,” “Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity, not populism,” it said.