*Remains steadfast on diplomatic affairs, welfare of Nigerian Ambassadors
*Ready to return home once payment of passages and entitlements are paid
By; MKPUMA ENYINNA, Abakaliki
Sequel to the alleged calls and demand for the resignation of Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusufu Tuggar, the Nigerian envoys have disassociated themselves from such claims, stating that it is the sole opinion of a group known as Mandate for National Values and Integrity (MNVIN), not the position of Nigerian Ambassadors.
In a statement issued in Abakaliki recently, the Nigeria High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia and Dean of Non-Career Ambassadors of Nigeria, Amb.Nwanne Ominyi, said Nigerian envoys are not involved in the call for the resignation of the Foreign Affairs Minister since members are well-focused and remain steadfast on diplomatic affairs and the welfare of envoys.
Amb.Ominyi further expressed the readiness of the ambassadors to return home once their payment of passages and other entitlements are made.
`The Nigeria High Commissioner to the Republic of Zambia and Dean of Non-Career Ambassadors of Nigeria has regrettably taken note of a recent publication by the Mandate for National Values and Integrity in Nigeria (MNVIN), as reported by Sahara Reporters on November 11, 2023. Additionally, there has been a reaction from The Nigeria Grand Progressive Network (NGPN) published by Opr. news of 15th November 2023, associating the Ambassador and his colleagues with MNVIN and its stated opinions.
`imperative to clarify unequivocally that the views expressed by MNVIN are solely theirs, and the Ambassador is not affiliated with the group, nor have any dealings of any sort.
`Contrary to any suggestions, he has not advocated for the dismissal of the Foreign Affairs Minister, Amb. Yusufu Tuggar. His focus remains steadfast on diplomatic affairs and the welfare of Nigerian ambassadors who entrusted to him the deanship. Ambassador Ominyi for those who know him can attest that he is a courageous politician who does not canvass his opinion under a faceless group.
He also raised concerns regarding the minister’s handling of recall, including the failure to send the attendant passages up till now and consequently making it difficult for the missions to pay the envoys their legitimate entitlements, adding that the group expressed their personal opinion as the Ambassadors are not part of the calls for his resignation.
`While MNVIN accuses Minister Tuggar of mishandling the recall, it is crucial to emphasize that these are their opinions, and the Ambassador is not inclined to participate in any campaign against the Minister. It is essential to distinguish the legitimate concerns raised by ambassadors, including Ambassador Omniyi from the opinions or actions of external groups.
`The Ambassador’s primary focus is the advancement and well-being of our country. Nigerian ambassadors are committed to returning home promptly once the payment of passages and entitlements is concluded. This commitment is not a matter of personal preference but a response to the expectations and obligations associated with diplomatic service,” the statement said..
