Log In
updated 10:20 AM UTC, Dec 13, 2023

Jonathan Suspends Foreign Affairs Permanent Secretary Over South Africa Saga

ABUJA, Federal Republic of Nigeria. Apparently embarrassed by the way the Ministry of Foreign Affairs handled the issue of the recall of the Nigerian Charge d’Affaires in South Africa over the recent xenophobic attacks on foreigners including Nigerians in South Africa, President Goodluck Jonathan has ordered the immediate suspension of the Permanent Secretary, Ambassador Danjuma Sheni.

The president gave the directive on Tuesday barely 24 hours after denying report that the Nigerian High Commissioner in South Africa had been recalled over the attacks.

A source in the presidency revealed that Jonathan was miffed that his approval was not sought before the Ministry of Foreign Affairs recalled the Charge d’Affairs for routine consultations, bringing embarrassment to government.

The recall of the envoy had also offended the government of South Africa which had already expressed its disgust over the action.

The Presidency source who wanted to maintain anonymity said the President had contemplated disciplinary action against the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Aminu Wali, over the incident but decided against it because of the time remaining for the tenure of the present administration.

Jonathan was said to have met with the minister along with other top government officials before the decision to suspend the permanent secretary was reached.

The South Africa envoy recall incident would be the second time in recent times that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs would be engaged in acts considered to have brought diplomatic embarrassment to the administration.

This followed the claim earlier by the ministry that President Jonathan had a phone conversation with the King of Morocco whereas it never happened, thereby drawing the ire of the Moroccan authorities.

 

Credit: Tribune (Nigeria)

Leave a Reply