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Re: Towards Utmost Freedom and Less of Sloganeering on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy in 2024

Re: Towards Utmost Freedom and Less of Sloganeering on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy in 2024
By: Bashir Aliyu
I read a lopsided article by Babafemi A. Badejo who called into question the new foreign policy concepts under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, singling out the 4D principles that now underpin the tenets of Nigeria’s foreign policy as the butt of his blurred outlook over how Nigeria’s diplomatic engagements should look like.
Without bandying words, Dr Babafemi raised key issues that if left unanswered may end up confusing many a reader given his position as a reputable lecturer on international relations.
While Mr Babafemi tried to juxtapose the Tinubu Doctrine or specifically the 4D foreign policy concepts with the Monroe Doctrine that the US adopted in 1823 (not 1843 as stated by the author) as a measure to deter European powers from further recolonizing countries in the Western Hemisphere, Nigeria’s new foreign policy direction is never meant to mimic any foreign power nor is it meant to exert its diplomatic cloud on any sovereign state. The geopolitical reality in our region coupled with the urgency for Nigeria to play more active roles in safeguarding not only our national interest and security but also the stability of our region by citizens who are unarguably the largest diaspora population in Africa. Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar repeatedly made it clear that the 4D Foreign Policy is not just mere sloganeering but a strategy to scrunch down “action plans of programmes into more manageable and comprehensible headlines.”
Another point that needs clarification is the solipsistic suggestion that Nigeria should prioritize economic development at the expense of democracy, alluding to the spate of military coups in West Africa and the diplomatic stand-off that strained relationship between Nigeria/ECOWAS and Niger junta. But for the avoidance of doubt, Nigeria never unilaterally planned to take military action against Niger as most of its policies are coordinated with the ECOWAS member states. Nigeria is in favour of a diplomatic solution, and the economic sanctions imposed on the junta are meant to pressure them to release Bazoum Muhammad and provide a clear pathway for the restoration of democracy in the country.
As noted by Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nigeria as the largest democracy in Africa cannot continue to fold its hands as West Africa descends into constitutional crises with six successful coups in just two years. The coups were a huge setback for the fight against terrorism in West Africa as many international partners withdrew or froze their cooperations with the military juntas which are critical to both the fight against terrorism and humanitarian support. Peace and good governance are an integral part of the development of any nation. The development in Niger, Mali, and Burkina Faso is a watershed moment for the ECOWAS member states like Nigeria who have invested so much in multinational cooperation, regional integration, and international commitment only to be disrupted by military coups.
According to Mr. Omar Alieu Touray, the President of the ECOWAS Commission, a series of military coups in West Africa is a huge setback for the fight against terror, noting that there were 1503 incidences of terrorist attacks recorded in Burkina Faso from 1st to October 22, 2023, 1044 in Mali, and 376 in Niger since the coup. Furthermore, Ambassador Tuggar revealed during his speech that Burkina Faso, being one of the poorest countries in the world, now only control about 40% of its country.
Democracy in West Africa is under assault and Nigeria has what it takes to help reverse the trend which poses an existential threat not only to our national security but to the stability of the entire region. The problem with military juntas is they are not known for respecting human rights, law and order, and lack of transparency when it comes to their obligation to international law and regional treaties is often responsible for worsening instability that often hampers our fight against organized crimes and terrorism. As a democratic nation, Nigeria has a vital role to play in entrenching democracy in Africa, and military coup in the region especially West Africa is an anathema to economic growth and international cooperation.
Moreover, as a matter of national interest, prioritizing democracy provides Nigeria with a clear direction to assert its interests on the global stage as evidenced by the recent success of Nigeria’s diplomatic overture at the G2O Summit in Delhi which saw the inclusion of the African Union as a full member.
As for Development, which is another key tenet of Nigeria’s foreign policy priority under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria’s foreign policy seeks to use diplomacy in line with the Nigerian constitution to enhance economic growth, agricultural value chain and technology to provide Nigerians with job opportunities. Nigeria with its teeming population of over 220 million people has a lot to benefit from the ongoing efforts to attract investment from international investors. As stated by Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, infrastructure alone can add 10-12% to our GDP which is enough to lift millions of Nigerians out of poverty. When it comes to international diplomacy, our population is a huge advantage as we have sufficient manpower and human resources to collaborate with countries such as India in the areas of ICT, movie industry, agriculture and bilateral trade which are sure to have an immediate impact on the wellbeing of Nigerians as a whole.
It is noteworthy that Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar is a veteran diplomat whose years of experience can enable our country to engage in more achievable goals. Nigeria is in throes of transition, and the urgency caused by rapidly changing world with competing interests, and Tuggar will continue to fight for what is best for Nigeria in terms of its national interests and the development of its people in line with the international law.
The Tinubu Doctrine is here to stay, and I am sure, and the rest of the world would sooner or later come to see the impact of the 4D foreign policy.
To this end, I call on Dr Babafemi A. Badejo not to be pessimistic about Nigeria’s foreign policy direction. The Tinubu Doctrine is borne out of the urgency to help Nigeria overcome many of its challenges such as development and the welfare of Nigerians abroad.
** Bashir Aliyu works as newspaper editor and geopolitical and international affairs commentator. He can be reached at bashiralmusawi@gmail.com
Re: Towards Utmost Freedom and Less of Sloganeering on Nigeria’s Foreign Policy in 2024
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New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.

New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.
By: Yahaya Wakili
The new Girema 1 of the Fika Emirate Council in Yobe State, Alhaji Abubakar Baba Dada (alias Basco), has expressed his appreciation and gratitude to His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, and Chairman of the Yobe State Council of Chiefs, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa, CON, CFR, for honoring him with the traditional title of Girema 1 of Fika.
Alhaji Abubakar Baba Dada expressed his appreciation while answering questions from the newsmen shortly after presenting him the letter of appointment at his residence on Masco Street, Potiskum.
“I feel highly honored; I am overwhelmed. The honor dishonored on me by His Royal Highness, the Emir of Fika, Alhaji Dr. Muhammadu Abali Ibn Muhammadu Idrissa CON, CFR, is unpalatable. Adding that, there is something special, I think he must find in me for him to have dishonored me with such a great title as Girema 1 of the Fika Emirate Council,” Dada said.
Alhaji Dada revealed that I will remain indebted and grateful to His Royal Highness for this honor done to me and our family entirely. He urged all of us to embrace one another and work hand in hand with all brothers because collectively we can build a better society for a better tomorrow devoid of other verses.
He calls on the entire people of Yobe South, even Yobe State at large, to come together on a common course; anything that was doing, let him do it well. The title of a Girema is a reverend title, a highly reverend title under the Kilishi of Tinja Fuya, down to the level of Barde, but actually I need to go deep for me to elaborate.
“There are two categories, the bigger one, Girema Gana and Girema Siri, and there is one Girema Gana so far. For me to have the honor of this kind of procedure title is actually worthy of reaction and worthy of commendation. I am highly honored,” he added.
Dada maintained that actually being a politician determined being a traditional titleholder because they work together hand in hand. The general purpose of working in every aspect of life is for the common good of the society. What do you bring to the table? What do you bring to the society? What do you bring to the populace? So virtually there are intermoving Siamese twins working together along the single course.
“I will remain ever grateful to the entire people of Potiskum and its environs for the dishonored disownment of me. Actually, you cannot comprehend the moment when the crowd that came from all works of life was in my honor. This is worthy of commendation. I feel highly indebted to the entire society and am looking forward to doing more within my reach for the betterment of our society at large.
New Girema of Fika appreciates Emir for the honor.
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Passenger Abducted in Katsina-Ala–Takum Boundary Attack in Benue

Passenger Abducted in Katsina-Ala–Takum Boundary Attack in Benue
By: Zagazola Makama
Armed men have abducted a passenger from a commercial vehicle along the Katsina-Ala–Takum road, Benue State.
Zagazola Makama gathered that the incident occurred at about 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 8, 2025, when the Toyota Carina II, with registration number KLD 108 AA, was heading to Katsina-Ala from Takum, Taraba State, with seven passengers onboard.
At Tsede Village, which lies on the boundary between Katsina-Ala and Takum, the gunmen blocked the road, robbed the occupants, and whisked away one passenger later identified as NYSC member Saadu Dauda from Zamfara State.
His identity was confirmed through a corps member ID card found in his bag left in the vehicle.
Security operatives have launched a coordinated operation to track the assailants and rescue the victim.
End
News
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager

Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager
By: Michael Mike
The Management of Transcorp Hilton Abuja has appointed Mr. Martin Zarybnicky, as the new General Manager. His appointment took effect on August 1st 2025.
This was disclosed in a statement made available at the weekend by the eCommerce Manager, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, Ijeoma Osuji.
According to the statement, Martin brings over 30 years of global hospitality experience to the role, having held leadership positions at international hotel brands across EMEA and APAC, including tenures in Thailand, Egypt and Russia. The new role marks Martin’s return to Hilton, where he previously served as General Manager at Hilton Sharm Waterfalls Resort.
Speaking on the latest development, thr Managing Director/CEO Transcorp Hotels Plc, Mrs. Uzo Oshogwe, said: “We are delighted to welcome Martin Zarybincky to the Transcorp Hotels family. His wealth of international experience brings fresh perspectives that will enrich our culture and elevate the guest experience we are known for. We look forward to supporting him as he settles into his new role and to the impact his leadership will bring in driving excellence for our guests.”
A seasoned hotelier, Martin has a strong track record in driving operational excellence, enhancing guest satisfaction, leading major refurbishments, and repositioning hotels for long-term commercial success. His leadership has earned multiple industry awards and recognition across the Middle East, Asia, and Europe.
Andreas Lackner, Vice President, Operations, Sub-Saharan Africa & Indian Ocean, Hilton, said: “Martin brings a wealth of global hospitality experience and a strong history of impactful leadership to his new role. His background across diverse markets and brands makes him an excellent fit for Transcorp Hilton Abuja, and we are pleased to welcome him back to Hilton.”
In his new role, Martin will oversee all aspects of hotel operations, driving strategic growth, operational efficiency, and an elevated guest experience in line with Hilton’s standards of excellence.
“Nigeria remains a leading hub for inclusive growth across Africa. At Transcorp Hilton Abuja, we are committed to supporting the development of hospitality in this vibrant market. I am proud to be part of the amazing team here, and together, we are eager to continuously showcase the warmth and excellence of genuine Nigerian hospitality,” said Zarybnicky.
Located in Abuja’s commercial district, Transcorp Hilton Abuja is a 668-room iconic property that has welcomed guests since 1987. As one of the largest hotels in sub-Saharan Africa, it remains a national landmark, which is owned by Transcorp Hotels Plc and managed by Hilton under the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.
Transcorp Hilton Abuja Appoints New General Manager
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