BABA-AHMED TO PRESIDENT TINUBU: "Break Your Silence & Address Nigerians Now".

Hakeem Baba-Ahmed.

Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, a former Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has criticised the President for remaining silent despite the growing tension caused by the United States’ recent tough position toward Nigeria.

In a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed expressed disappointment that President Tinubu had not personally addressed Nigerians. He said a true leader should communicate directly with the citizens during such a crucial period.

“If President Tinubu truly has capable advisers and understands the burden of leadership, he should have spoken to the nation by now. This is not the time for ministers or aides to speak on his behalf. The President himself should calm the people, explain our situation, and outline the steps his administration plans to take,” he stated.

According to him, Tinubu’s continued silence “makes the country appear weak, as if we lack direction and a clear voice in the global space.”

Reacting to reports that Tinubu might visit the United States to meet former President Donald Trump, Baba-Ahmed warned that such a move would send the wrong message. “At this crucial moment, Tinubu should not even consider travelling to America to meet Donald Trump. Doing so would only damage Nigeria’s image further. It would be like getting slapped and smiling in return,” he cautioned.

Baba-Ahmed also faulted the administration for failing to appoint ambassadors more than a year after taking office, describing the situation as a major setback for Nigeria’s foreign relations.

“We have repeatedly called on the government to appoint ambassadors. Many countries now barely interact with Nigeria because we lack official diplomatic representatives. A nation without ambassadors is practically invisible in international affairs,” he said.

He ended his remarks with a strong message to the President: “If Tinubu truly listens to those who care about this country, he must act immediately — appoint ambassadors, strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic influence, and speak directly to the citizens he governs.”