The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, has dismissed recent claims by the African Democratic Congress questioning Nigeria?s diplomatic presence and pace of ambassadorial appointments under President Bola Tinubu?s administration, describing the remarks as ?misleading, alarmist, and politically motivated.?

The party had on Monday berated the president over his refusal to appoint ambassadors to the country?s foreign missions.

In a statement by the party?s National Publicity Secretary, Bolaji Abdullahi, ADC noted that this is the longest period Nigeria has gone without duly accredited ambassadors in any of its foreign missions.

The party added that If the embarrassing absence is allowed to persist, other countries will soon start to downgrade Nigeria, and Nigerians will bear the brunt.

Reacting, the Special Assistant on Media and Communications Strategy to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alkasim Abdulkadir, in a statement on Tuesday, said Nigeria remains fully represented in all its foreign missions through experienced diplomats and competent charg?s d?affaires who continue to carry out their duties effectively.

?Nigeria remains fully and effectively represented in all of its foreign missions by seasoned diplomats and experienced charg?s d?affaires.

?These professionals continue to advance Nigeria?s interests, uphold consular services, facilitate trade and investment, and safeguard the welfare of citizens abroad.

?To suggest otherwise is both inaccurate and an affront to the commitment of Nigeria?s foreign service officers,? the Minister added.

He noted that the absence of new ambassadors does not equate to diplomatic vacuum, noting that the nation?s foreign policy agenda remains vibrant and active.

Reacting to the ADC?s claim that Nigerian missions have become ?sorry symbols,? the minister described the statement as not only false but ?insulting? to hardworking diplomats serving under difficult conditions.

?The assertion that morale is at its lowest is baseless. While the ministry acknowledges long-standing structural and funding challenges?many of which predate the current administration?Nigerian diplomats continue to serve with distinction and professionalism, ? he stated.

On the issue of ambassadorial appointments, the Minister said the process is a sovereign prerogative and not subject to political pressure.

He said, ?The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function?not a matter to be rushed for political convenience or partisan appeasement. President Tinubu, in line with his Renewed Hope Agenda, 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. ?

Addressing concerns over Nigeria?s reported rejection of a U.S. proposal regarding Venezuelan deportees, the Minister stated that the government?s response was ?clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights,? and did not amount to a diplomatic misstep.

?Nigeria?s response was clear, principled, and consistent with its sovereign rights. 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, ? the Minister said.

He cautioned political actors against using foreign policy for partisan attacks, urging them to show restraint and national consciousness.

?The ADC?s comments reflect political opportunism and a lack of understanding of foreign policy processes. Diplomacy must not be used as a tool for partisan attacks. Nigeria?s global reputation is too valuable to be undermined by sensationalism and domestic political point-scoring.

?Nigeria is neither voiceless nor inactive in international affairs. The Ministry urges political actors and commentators to exercise restraint, responsibility, and national consciousness in matters relating to foreign policy. Diplomacy is built on consistency, discretion, and strategic clarity, not populism?, he said. (The PUNCH)

Update news