A coalition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Support Groups has cautioned some recalled Nigerian Ambassadors against actions that show disrespect to the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu; institutions and symbol of the country.
According to the coalition, President Tinubu had in the exercise of his powers in September recalled all serving ambassadors and were given till October 31 return to Nigeria.
The APC supporters however said what was supposed to be a routine diplomatic process has turned into a campaign of calumny against the president, government officials and symbols of the country.
The coalition at a press conference in Abuja expressed outright displeasure over what it called the uncharitable behaviour of a few that were chosen out of hundreds of millions to represent Nigeria.
The Director General, Progressive Arewa People Support Asiwaju/Shattima, Amb. Garba Dangizo said
the group was dismayed over the “show of shame being exhibited by some recalled envoys.”
“It is important to note that that these Diplomatic officials who represent the topmost point of the pyramid of the exalted positions have not only engaged the country in a media war but have gone ahead to release documents that flout the Official Secrets Act.
“These documents have found their ways into the media and digital media space. This action not only undermines the oath sworn to by the envoys, but it is also against the extant rules and regulations guiding public officials in Nigeria. Thereby making them knowingly committing an offense,” she said.
Dangizo said the coalition has established that severance payments known as passages have been sent to the recalled envoys, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, hence it was not an issue.
“They are well aware that severance payments in Nigeria and all over the world follow due diligence and other forms of bureaucracy before payments are received. At this juncture we must thank those envoys who have not only written to their host governments but have registered their return in Abuja.
“Most importantly, we thank President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for approving these payments as a testimony to the appreciation of the work of the envoys to Nigeria.
“This orchestrated media war must end to protect the integrity of Mr President and sovereignty of Nigeria. The country is bigger than all of us.
“The recalled Nigerian High Commissioner To Zambia, Ambassador Ominiyi Eze and his cohorts should therefore desist from the international embarrassment they are causing President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the government of Nigeria.
“The general public is hereby advised to pay no heed to what is purely an administrative and procedural matter that has become the basis of misrepresentations in the media intended to undermine the government of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima.
“We the members of Coalition of APC Support Groups stand firmly with the APC led Government and hereby call for an end to actions tantamount to insubordination and disrespect of our country and symbols,” she added.
