A Coalition of All Progressives Congress (APC), support groups, on Thursday, warned recalled envoys to stop denting the country’s image abroad.
The coalition which issued the warning during a press conference in Abuja, accused some of the envoys, particularly the Nigerian High Commissioner To Zambia, Ambassador Ominiyi Eze, of sponsoring spurious media campaigns against the Federal Government and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
President Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors from their duty posts worldwide in a statement on 2nd September 2023.
But while addressing the press conference, Rabi Garba Dangizo, Director General, Progressive Arewa People Support, ASIWAJU/Shattima (PAPSA); and Adewale Adeogun, Founder/National Coordinator, Asiwaju Progressive Forum And National Coordinator, Tinubu National Think Tank (TNT), said some of the envoys had been engaging in activities that were in breach of Nigeria’s security since then.
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The APC groups accused the recalled envoys of waging a media war against their employer, stressing that they have also “gone ahead to release documents that flout the Official Secrets Act.
“These documents have found their way 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 offence.”
“We, the Coalition of APC Political Support Groups for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu wish to register the dismay of our members on this show of shame being exhibited by some recalled envoys.
“What was supposed to be a routine diplomatic process has turned into a campaign of calumny against President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, government officials and symbols of the country,” it said.
On claims of pending entitlements by the envoys, the APC groups said, “According to our investigations, we have discovered that severance payments known as passages have been sent to the recalled envoys, through the Central Bank of Nigeria, this is verifiable information.
They warned that, “This orchestrated media war must end to protect the integrity of Mr President and the sovereignty of Nigeria.
“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.”
