President Bola Tinubu has recalled all Nigeria’s ambassadors — both career and non-career envoys — says Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Tuggar.
A confirmation followed in a statement by Ajuri Ngelale, the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity.
The statement, titled “President Tinubu Directs the Total Recall of All Career and Non-Career Ambassadors”, was dated September 2, 2023.
The minister confirmed the recall of all ambassadors on Saturday in a statement by his SA, Media and Communications Strategy, Alkasim Abdulkadir.
A recall letter by Ambassador Tuggar indicated the end of the tenure of Ambassador Ishola as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom.
It urged Ishola “to commence the process of winding down your affairs, and take formal leave of your host government within 60 days and to return to Nigeria by 31 October 2023 at the latest.”
The statement confirming the recall of all ambassadors:
“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.
Presidency’s Statement
Ngelale’s statement read in full:
“President Bola Tinubu (@officialABAT) has directed the recall of all career and non-career ambassadors from their duty posts worldwide.
“The President’s directive is sequel to his careful study of the present state of affairs at Nigerian Consulate Offices and Embassies worldwide, and in line with the President’s renewed hope agenda, the President is determined to ensure that world-class efficiency and quality, will henceforth, characterize foreign and domestic service delivery to citizens, residents and prospective visitors alike.
“To this end, the President further directs that Nigeria’s United Nations Permanent Representatives in New York and Geneva be exempted from this total recall, in view of the upcoming United Nations General Assembly, holding later this month.
“By the directive of the President, the recall of the affected officers takes immediate effect.”
