In response to the circulation of a purported list of new Nigerian Ambassadors and their assigned countries on social media, Dada Olusegun, the Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Social Media, has swiftly denounced the information as fake news.
Addressing the issue in a statement posted on his social media platform, Olusegun emphasized that the list in circulation is nothing but a replica of an outdated 2017 roster. He highlighted that many of the individuals mentioned in the purported list have long retired from their diplomatic roles, with some even having passed away.
“The alleged LIST OF NEW NIGERIAN AMBASSADORS AND THEIR ASSIGNED COUNTRIES circulating online is fake,” stated Tinubu’s aide. “This list is merely a copy of an outdated 2017 list, where most of the individuals mentioned have already retired from their diplomatic duties.”
Olusegun further pointed out inaccuracies in the list and questioned its sudden emergence at this time. He urged the public to disregard the misinformation and treat it with contempt.
The clarification comes following President Tinubu’s directive on September 2nd, 2023, to recall all career and non-career ambassadors serving in Nigeria’s diplomatic missions worldwide. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the recall, stating that it was carried out on the instructions of President Tinubu.
“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,” the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs read.
The recalled envoys, numbering 41 non-career ambassadors and 42 career ambassadors, were directed to return to Nigeria by October 31st. These appointments had been made by Former President Muhammadu Buhari in July 2020.
