Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno Central, has urged the federal government to engage seasoned diplomats to defend Nigeria’s international image after U.S. President Donald Trump designated the country a “country of particular concern” and described the killings of Christians as a genocide.
In a statement on Saturday, Ndume recommended that the government enlist experienced envoys to present Nigeria’s position on the global stage, naming former Commonwealth Secretary-General Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed as suitable candidates for diplomatic engagement.
“Before things get out of hand, Nigeria should engage seasoned diplomats like Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, Babagana Kingibe, Professor Sulu Gambari, and Amina Mohammed in the United Nations,” he said.
He also urged the government to work with the American embassy in Abuja to ensure accurate information is shared internationally. “They should also engage the American embassy in Nigeria because they have the facts. We can change the narrative by ensuring that we aren’t tagged ‘country of particular concern,’ but ‘country of special concern,’ so that they can give us all the support, including arms and ammunition, to effectively contain terrorists,” Ndume said.
