By Ahmed Rufa’i, Dutse
Former Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Alhaji Sule Lamido, has criticized the National Security Adviser (NSA), Malam Nuhu Ribadu, over his remarks regarding Canada’s denial of visas to Nigerian military personnel.
Lamido argues that such diplomatic issues should be handled by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the NSA.
In a statement shared via his Facebook page, titled “RIBADU AGAIN!!”, the former minister expressed concern over the NSA’s public outburst, stating that diplomatic disputes should be managed with professionalism to uphold Nigeria’s sovereign image.
Lamido, who served as Foreign Affairs Minister from 1999 to 2003, emphasized that had the matter been appropriately handled, the Foreign Affairs Ministry could have summoned the Canadian High Commissioner to register Nigeria’s displeasure and potentially impose diplomatic consequences.
“The NSA and his principals must realize that they represent and project our collective image as a sovereign nation. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs should have been the one to address this issue, not the NSA.”
The former Jigawa State governor and PDP chieftain lamented what he sees as a decline in Nigeria’s foreign policy management, citing recent diplomatic tensions within ECOWAS and now with Canada.
“The last two years have exposed our rookie management in navigating foreign relationships on both regional and global stages. This entire blunder could have been avoided if the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been allowed to play its role properly.”
Lamido warned that such diplomatic missteps could further embarrass Nigeria on the international stage, stressing that the NSA must not overstep its jurisdiction by handling affairs meant for the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
“The NSA’s unnecessary outbursts have unwittingly exposed the embarrassing humiliation Nigeria faced at the hands of the Canadian High Commission. He must not assume the role of the Foreign Minister.”
As Nigeria seeks to maintain strong diplomatic ties globally, Lamido’s comments highlight the importance of clear roles in handling sensitive international matters. His remarks raise questions about how the Nigerian government approaches diplomatic challenges and whether proper protocols are being followed.