News
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
Residents urged to take up employment in the Lassa General Hospital
By: Bodunrin Kayode
Residents of Lassa town have been urged to take up instant employment in the General Hospital Lassa in the southern senatorial zone of the state.
Borno State Governor, Babagana Zulum said this while on a visit to the facility which is in Lassa town recently.
The Governor decried the deliberate shying away from working in the General hospital by residents with ancestry from the town or the council area.
Zulum regretted that most of the residents with qualified medical background come home only for important holidays and run back but refuse to work for the growth of their town.
The Governor who was on a sympathy tour of the Lassa General hospital recently vowed to change the fortune of the hospital if only trained Borno doctors will be bold to pick the instant employment waiting for them in lassa.
He assured that he was going to recruit as much as five doctors to assist the hospital which has not had a doctor since 2020 when Dr Danladi the last Principal medical doctor died.
The Governor assured that he will do all he can to ensure that the promised employment is effected as soon as the doctors or nurses show up to start work.
Lassa General hospital built by missionaries in 1928 before independence became a recognized secondary facility with the full complements of medical doctors and nurses.
However, as at today the they not only lack doctors but also nurses, medical and health record workers and all manner of health workers that should run a renown facility like this General hospital.
Residents urged to take up employment in the Lassa General Hospital
News
VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu
VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu
By: Our Reporter
Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima has reiterated the commitment of the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the preservation and protection of traditional institutions in Nigeria.
According to him, traditional rulers are the closest to the grassroots are the leaders and fathers of the society, and their institutions outlive every administration.
Senator Shettima gave the assurance on Friday during the the 45th Anniversary of the Emir of Gumel, HRH, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Sani II, and the Commissioning of Gumel Central Mosque in Gumel local government area of Jigawa State.
The Vice President stated that the tenure of every elective political office holder ends after eight years but the traditional institutions remains.
“Therefore, we must respect them, we must take care of them, and we must preserve as well as protect the institution,” he added.
The Vice President, who congratulated the Emir of Gumel for celebrating his 45th anniversary in good health, prayed Almighty God to spare the life of the traditional ruler to witness his Golden Jubilee and centenary celebrations.
“I am quite glad to be back home. Gumel is home. Founded in 1750 by Danjuma, this Emirate has a rich history. When Danjuma died in 1754, he was succeeded by his son, and our royal father who is celebrating his 45th anniversary as the Emir of Gumel is the 13th Emir of Gumel. He is a graduate of Political Science.
“He was a Commissioner in the cabinet of the late former governor of old Kano State, Alhaji Abubakar Rimi, before he was elevated to the throne of his ancestors. May Allah continue to bless him with good health and may his reign be long.”
VP Shettima also paid glowing tribute to His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammed Sa’ad Abubakar III, saying the Sultan “is truly a leader worthy of emulation by us all.
“He (Sultan) is a symbol of our unity. Last week, he was in Kaduna. Hardly a week passes without the Sultan criss-crossing the length and breath of this country building bridges. Your Eminence, we are very grateful to you. May Allah bless you with sound health and long life,” the Vice President said.
Senator Shettima also applauded the Governor of Jigawa state, Mallam Umar Namadi, for cultivating 10,000 hectares of wheat, which, according to him, is more than what the entire 18 northern states cultivated.
“Your Excellency, we thank you; we are mightily proud of you. May the Almighty Allah continue to strengthen our unity and understanding, ” VP Shettima said.
Earlier, Governor Namadi thanked the Vice President Shettima for honouring the invitation by the Jigawa State Government and Gumel Emirate to grace the 45th Anniversary of the reigning Emir of Gumel and the commissioning of Gumel Central Mosque.
“Your Excellency, we are deeply grateful to you for honouring us with your presence at this historic ceremony. On behalf of the Government and good people of Jigawa State, especially the people of Gumel Emirate, we thank you most sincerely for your unwavering commitment to the progress and development of our dear state, ” Governor Namadi said.
Also, the Sultan of Sokoto and President General of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Abubakar III, preached unity, tolerance, and mutual respect among all Nigerians irrespective of their religious and cultural diversity.
The Sultan, who congratulated the Emir of Gumel for marking his 45th anniversary celebration, commended the Vice President for his dedication and commitment to the preservation of traditional institution, peace, unity and development of the country.
Other dignitaries who graced the celebration are the Deputy Chief of Staff to the President (Office of the Vice President), Senator Ibrahim Hassan Hadeija; Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Senator Abubakar Kyari; former member of the House of Representatives, Hon. Farouk Adamu Aliyu; Deputy Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Aminu Usman, and the Speaker of Jigawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Haruna Dangaji.
Others include the Emir of Machina, HRH, Alhaji Bashir Albishir Bukar Machinama; Emir of Dutse, HRH, Muhammad Hameem Nuhu Sanusi, Emir of Hadejia, HRH, Alhaji Adamu Abubakar Maje; members of the Jigawa State Executive Council, and some members of the National Assembly, among others.
VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu
Indian High Commissioner, Abhishek Singh Presents Letter of Credence to Tinubu
By: Michael Mike
The Indian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Ambassador Abhishek Singh has presented his letter of credence to Nigeria’s President Bola Tinubu.
A statement on Thursday from the India High Commission read: “The High Commission of India in Abuja is pleased to announce that H.E. Amb Abhishek Singh
formally presented his Letter of Credence to H.E. President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja on 4 December 2025.
“President Tinubu graciously received Amb Singh and extended his congratulations and best wishes for the assumption of his duties.”
It added that: “Marking the assumption of his duties, Amb Singh reiterated India’s commitment to further strengthen its strategic partnership with Nigeria and expressed confidence in the continued advancement of bilateral cooperation across diverse sectors.”
The statement assured that: “The High Commission of India remains committed to fostering and strengthening the strategic
partnership between India & Nigeria in the days to come.”
Indian High Commissioner, Abhishek Singh Presents Letter of Credence to Tinubu
Residents urged to take up employment in the Lassa General Hospital
VP Shettima: Traditional institutions Remain Irreplaceable, Will Be Preserved Under President Tinubu
Indian High Commissioner, Abhishek Singh Presents Letter of Credence to Tinubu
Roger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoRoger Federer’s Shock as DNA Results Reveal Myla and Charlene Are Not His Biological Children
-
Opinions4 years ago
THE PLIGHT OF FARIDA
-
Opinions4 years ago
POLICE CHARGE ROOMS, A MINTING PRESS
-
News2 years agoEYN: Rev. Billi, Distortion of History, and The Living Tamarind Tree
-
News8 months agoFAILED COUP IN BURKINA FASO: HOW TRAORÉ NARROWLY ESCAPED ASSASSINATION PLOT AMID FOREIGN INTERFERENCE CLAIMS
-
ACADEMICS2 years agoA History of Biu” (2015) and The Lingering Bura-Pabir Question (1)
-
Columns2 years agoArmy University Biu: There is certain interest, but certainly not from Borno.
-
Opinions2 years agoTinubu,Shettima: The epidemic of economic, insecurity in Nigeria
