A former Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has criticised the President’s continued silence amid the growing diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States, saying the situation demands a direct address to the nation.
Baba-Ahmed expressed his concern in a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday (today), warning that Tinubu’s refusal to speak publicly “makes the country appear weak, as though we have no voice or direction.”
The former presidential aide insisted that the gravity of the current standoff with Washington requires Tinubu’s personal intervention rather than statements from ministers or spokesmen.
“If President Tinubu truly has competent advisers and understands the weight of leadership, he should have addressed the nation by now,” he wrote.
“This is not the time for ministers or aides to speak on his behalf. The President himself should calm the people, explain our position, and tell us what steps he intends to take.”
According to Baba-Ahmed, the President’s continued silence is creating uncertainty both at home and abroad.
Reacting to reports that Tinubu may travel to the United States to meet President Donald Trump, Baba-Ahmed urged the President to resist such a move, saying it would damage Nigeria’s image further.
“At this critical moment, Tinubu should not even think of travelling to America to meet Donald Trump,” he warned.
“Doing so would only worsen Nigeria’s image. It would be like receiving a slap and then smiling in return.”
He argued that any diplomatic engagement at this time must project strength, clarity, and national dignity.
Baba-Ahmed also criticised the administration for failing to appoint ambassadors more than a year into its tenure, describing the situation as dangerous and diplomatically costly.
“We have said it over and over again, appoint ambassadors!” he stressed.
“Right now, many countries barely engage with Nigeria because we lack official diplomatic representation. A country without ambassadors is practically invisible in global affairs.”
He warned that Nigeria’s global influence would continue to decline unless the government prioritises rebuilding its diplomatic corps.
Concluding his message, Baba-Ahmed urged President Tinubu to take immediate steps to restore confidence, both internationally and among Nigerians.
“If Tinubu truly listens to those who care about this nation, he must act now,” he said.
“Appoint ambassadors, restore Nigeria’s diplomatic strength, and speak directly to the people he governs.”
Naija News reports that Baba-Ahmed’s remarks come amid heightened concerns over Washington’s hard stance toward Nigeria and calls for stronger, more responsive leadership from the Presidency.
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