In what appears to be Nigeria’s most dramatic “return on investment” complaint yet, a man on Thursday stormed the All Progressives Congress (APC) national secretariat in Abuja with a message as blunt as it was unsettling: reward me or kill me. The protest, captured in a now-viral video, shows the visibly distressed man holding a placard and demanding recognition for what he described as his personal sacrifices during the party’s 2023 campaign. According to him, loyalty was not just emotional, it was financial, physical, and, ultimately, total. In a country where political support often comes with expectations, some spoken, many implied the man’s outcry reads like a tragic audit of misplaced trust. His claim that he sold his house to fund campaign efforts has not been independently verified, but the symbolism is hard to ignore: a citizen liquidating stability in exchange for promised political dividends. Observers at the scene watched as the protester oscillated between anger and ...
By Abioye Tosin Lawrence
New diplomatic postings raise questions about Nigeria’s commitment to protecting its citizens and strengthening its image across the world.
The recent approval of the posting of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to various countries and the United Nations has once again brought attention to the critical responsibilities of Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad.
Among those reportedly designated for diplomatic roles are Reno Omokri and Femi Fani-Kayode, who are expected to represent Nigeria in Mexico and Germany respectively.
While the appointments signal a renewed diplomatic engagement by Nigeria, they also raise important questions about the obligations of ambassadors beyond ceremonial diplomacy.
One key issue is whether Nigeria maintains an accurate and comprehensive record of its nationals living in foreign countries. A responsible diplomatic mission should have reliable data on Nigerians residing within its jurisdiction. Such records are essential for effective communication, emergency response, and the overall welfare of citizens abroad.
Another crucial responsibility is the protection of Nigerian nationals overseas. Across the world, Nigerians contribute to the economies and social fabric of their host countries.
However, there are also cases where citizens face discrimination, legal challenges, or emergencies that require prompt intervention from their home government.
Embassies and ambassadors must therefore remain vigilant and responsive to the needs of Nigerians living abroad.
Their role should extend beyond diplomatic receptions and official meetings to active engagement with the Nigerian community in their host countries.
Equally important is the task of projecting Nigeria’s image positively on the global stage. Diplomats serve as the face of their nation, and their conduct, policies, and engagements shape how the country is perceived internationally.
Countries like the United States are widely known for strongly protecting their citizens wherever they are in the world. Nigeria must strive to demonstrate the same level of commitment and responsiveness to its people.
As the new ambassadors assume their posts, expectations will be high. Nigerians at home and abroad will look to them not only as representatives of the government but also as defenders of the welfare, dignity, and interests of Nigerian citizens across the globe.
In today’s interconnected world, diplomacy must go beyond protocol. It must reflect a genuine commitment to the people a nation represents.
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