Former Presidential Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has raised concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s continued silence amid the United States’ recent tough stance toward Nigeria.
Baba-Ahmed, in a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, said the president should have personally addressed the nation by now.
According to him, “If President Tinubu truly has competent advisers and understands the weight of leadership, he should have spoken to Nigerians already.
“This is not the time for ministers or aides to issue statements. The President himself should calm the nation, explain our position, and state the steps he intends to take.”
He warned that the president’s silence makes the country appear weak.
“This silence suggests we have no voice or direction,” he said.
Reacting to reports that Tinubu might consider travelling to the United States to meet Donald Trump, Baba-Ahmed cautioned against it.
“At this critical moment, Tinubu should not even consider travelling to America to meet Trump. Doing so would damage Nigeria’s image further. It would be like receiving a slap and smiling in return,” he stated.
He also criticised the administration for failing to appoint ambassadors over a year after assuming office.
“We have said it repeatedly — appoint ambassadors. Right now, many countries hardly engage with Nigeria because we lack official diplomatic representation.
“A nation without ambassadors is practically invisible in global affairs,” he said.
Baba-Ahmed urged the president to act swiftly, “If Tinubu listens to those who genuinely care about this nation, he must act now, appoint ambassadors, restore Nigeria’s diplomatic strength, and speak directly to the people he governs.”
His statement comes amid Trump’s military threat to Nigeria over alleged Christian genocide.