By Our Reporter
In the wake of stricter Visa restrictions for Nigerians by the US, the UAE and other countries, a Chieftain of the new coalition All Democratic Congress ADC has criticised President Bola Tinubu over his inability to appoint Ambassadors who will protect the country’s interests abroad, over Two years after he took over power as President.
Alhaji Mukhtar Garba told our Correspondent that diplomatic negotiations are usually carried out before such policies are put out in the open.
However, when a country does not have a substantive ambassador, the country can take such measures unilaterally and make pronouncements to precede discussions.
Garba said that if Nigeria had ambassadors in these countries, such strict measures would have been tackled and nipped in the bud.
He blames the President for failing to appoint Ambassadors, saying it shows a lack of foreign policy direction.
“A lot of people are condemning the UAE and the US for strict Visa conditions for Nigerian travellers. For me, I don’t blame these countries. I can tell you for free that we will see more of these in the days ahead.
“We have a country that has operated without ambassadors for about two years now. All our embassies and foreign missions are in jeopardy. Do you think the international community is unaware of this?
“What happens is that no serious country takes us seriously again, and so they can just make any pronouncements since there is no one to engage them through the globally established diplomatic channels. What does it take to appoint Ambassadors? The President is busy giving appointments to board members and all kinds, but can not appoint those who will be the eyes and ears of the country abroad.
“There is a major shift in the global order of things, and now, more than ever, we need to strengthen the operation of our foreign embassies and consulates to keep abreast and direct our alliances to make the most of this transition period. But no. Nothing is happening and no one is saying anything. It’s a shame, and I can tell you, more will come,” he said.
