By Odomero Igbodo
A 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, and monitored by EnuguDaily, 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.
“These groups represent political alliances and personal interests, not Christians,” Igboke said. “The real victims are the people in the suffering areas — the priests burying their people in Agatu, Mangu, and southern Kaduna. But those at the top are too comfortable and detached from the reality on the ground.”
He lamented the declining influence of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), recalling a time when its leadership commanded respect from even military rulers.
“CAN is no longer a strong voice. During the days of Archbishop Okogie, when CAN spoke, even heads of state listened. Today, it has lost that moral and institutional authority,” he added.
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.
“The president should appoint credible diplomats and international figures who can engage directly with the U.S. government,” he advised. “We need timelines and concrete actions to clear out terrorists. These people are not ghosts — they have supply chains and camps. We can’t keep issuing empty vows.”
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.
“Let America assist us tactically, but don’t let them take over our soil,” he warned. “We can have joint training, intelligence sharing, and operational support — but under Nigeria’s control.”
Dr. Igboke further criticized the Tinubu administration’s neglect of the foreign service, describing Nigeria’s current diplomatic posture as “dangerously weak.”
“No serious country operates without ambassadors,” he noted. “At the last UN General Assembly, Nigeria had no significant presence. This government is treating foreign affairs with levity, and that’s why we are caught unawares by such international actions.”
He warned that failure to respond swiftly could lead to worse consequences for Nigeria.
“After being labeled a ‘Country of Particular Concern,’ the next step could be declaring Nigeria a terrorist state,” he cautioned. “The implications are enormous — from sanctions to travel restrictions and diplomatic isolation.”
On the economic impact, Igboke said the allegations would further harm Nigeria’s already struggling investment climate.
“The optics are terrible. No investor wants to put money in a country accused of genocide,” he said. “It will affect businesses, trade relations, and foreign direct investment. Nigeria must act fast to repair its image.”
Dr. Ambrose Igboke concluded by urging the government to prioritize the appointment of ambassadors and reactivation of diplomatic channels to rebuild trust with the international community.
“We must move from press statements to action,” he said. “Nigeria needs credible voices abroad to tell its story and defend its interests.”
