foreign affairs analyst, Dr. Ambrose Igboke, has faulted Nigeria’s handling of its international image following the recent United States’ allegation of genocide and its designation of Nigeria as a “Country of Particular Concern (CPC).”
Speaking on “Matters of the Moment”, a live programme on Sunrise FM, Dr. Igboke criticized the politicization of local religious associations and the federal government’s weak diplomatic response to mounting global concerns about insecurity and religious persecution in Nigeria.
According to him, many organizations that claim to represent Christian interests in the country “have become politicized” and no longer speak for the ordinary people who bear the brunt of violence in parts of northern Nigeria.
He lamented the declining influence of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), recalling a time when its leadership commanded respect from even military rulers.
On how the federal government should respond to the U.S. genocide allegation and CPC status, Dr. Igboke urged President Bola Tinubu to urgently engage in “active, face-to-face diplomacy” with Washington rather than issuing press statements.
He proposed that Nigeria should seek limited tactical collaboration with the U.S. military, while avoiding full American intervention to prevent a repeat of crises seen in countries like Yemen, Afghanistan, or Egypt.
Dr. Igboke further criticized the Tinubu administration’s neglect of the foreign service, describing Nigeria’s current diplomatic posture as “dangerously weak.”
He warned that failure to respond swiftly could lead to worse consequences for Nigeria.
On the economic impact, Igboke said the allegations would further harm Nigeria’s already struggling investment climate.
Dr. Ambrose Igboke urged the government to prioritize the appointment of ambassadors and reactivation of diplomatic channels to rebuild trust with the international community.
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