Tinubu’s Silence Makes Nigeria Look Weak — Ex-Presidential Adviser on US Threats

Former Presidential Adviser, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has criticized President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for remaining silent amid the United States’ recent tough stance on Nigeria.

Speaking through a post on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed said the president’s silence at such a critical time portrays the country as weak before the international community.

According to him, “If President Tinubu truly has competent advisers and understands the weight of leadership, he should have spoken to Nigerians already.”

He stressed that this was not the time for aides or ministers to issue statements on behalf of the government.

Baba-Ahmed noted that the president should personally address citizens, clarify Nigeria’s position, and outline the steps his administration intends to take.

“This silence suggests we have no voice or direction,” he said.

Commenting on reports that Tinubu might visit the United States to meet with Donald Trump, the former adviser warned that such a move would be a grave mistake.

“At this critical moment, Tinubu should not even consider travelling to America to meet Trump. Doing so would damage Nigeria’s image further. It would be like receiving a slap and smiling in return,” he stated.

He also expressed disappointment over the federal government’s failure to appoint ambassadors more than a year after taking office.

“We have said it repeatedly, appoint ambassadors. Right now, many countries hardly engage with Nigeria because we lack official diplomatic representation,” Baba-Ahmed said, adding that “a nation without ambassadors is practically invisible in global affairs.”

Baba-Ahmed urged President Tinubu to take immediate action.

“If Tinubu listens to those who genuinely care about this nation, he must act now, appoint ambassadors, restore Nigeria’s diplomatic strength, and speak directly to the people he governs,” he concluded.