Re: Misguided and Baseless Open Letter by One Elder Karofi

By Alkasim Abdulkadir, Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar, OON
7th October, 2025

My attention has been drawn to a misguided open letter by one Elder Karofi, calling for the removal of the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Tuggar. While ordinarily undeserving of a response, its misrepresentations necessitate clarification in the public interest.

1. Misunderstanding of Foreign Policy

The author’s submission reflects a poor grasp of how diplomacy works. Foreign policy is not driven by media noise or impulsive statements but by sustained engagement, credible negotiation, and principled representation of national interests. Under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s guidance, Ambassador Tuggar has repositioned Nigeria’s diplomacy on the globally recognized 4Ds Doctrine — Democracy, Development, Demography, and Diaspora.

2. Defence of Nigeria’s Image

Contrary to the false claim of “silence,” the Minister has led proactive efforts to counter misinformation. Notably, he personally commissioned and funded an international study published in April 2025 titled “Religious Persecution in Nigeria: Deconstructing a Linear Narrative”, widely circulated to debunk misleading claims of persecution. Through engagements at the UN, AU, ECOWAS, and with global partners, he has consistently defended Nigeria’s image as a multi-religious, democratic, and reform-driven nation.

3. Proven Diplomatic Achievements

Ambassador Tuggar’s tenure has delivered measurable outcomes:
• Nigeria’s admission as the ninth Partner Country of BRICS;
• Reinvigoration of missions abroad through reforms and citizen-focused service;
• New bilateral agreements with Brazil, China, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Colombia;
• Leadership in ECOWAS mediation and peace efforts in the Sahel;
• And Nigeria’s renewed credibility in peacekeeping and climate diplomacy.

These milestones reflect purposeful diplomacy, not underperformance.

4. On Credibility and Responsibility

It is unethical for individuals without any grounding in international affairs to malign a public servant whose work is rooted in professionalism and integrity. Democracy allows dissent, but it does not license falsehood or mischief.

Ambassador Tuggar remains focused on his mandate — advancing Nigeria’s global standing with intellect, discipline, and results, not theatrics.

⸻

Signed,
Alkasim Abdulkadir
Spokesperson to the Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs
Abuja, Nigeria