‘Tinubu Meeting Trump Now Would Be A National Mistake’

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A former Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has faulted the President’s continued silence amid escalating diplomatic tensions between Nigeria and the United States, describing the situation as “deeply worrying” and demanding a direct national address.

In a post shared on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed said President Tinubu’s lack of public communication on the crisis risks portraying Nigeria as “leaderless” in the face of an unfolding international dispute.

“If President Tinubu truly has competent advisers and understands the weight of leadership, he should have addressed the nation by now,” Baba-Ahmed wrote.

“This is not the time for ministers or aides to speak on his behalf. The President himself should calm the people, explain our position, and tell us what steps he intends to take.”

The former aide said the President’s silence was creating both domestic anxiety and international uncertainty, warning that it could weaken Nigeria’s diplomatic standing.

On Possible Tinubu–Trump Meeting

Reacting to reports suggesting that President Tinubu might travel to Washington for a meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump, Baba-Ahmed urged the Nigerian leader to avoid such a move, calling it “a symbol of weakness.”

“At this critical moment, Tinubu should not even think of travelling to America to meet Donald Trump,” he cautioned.
“Doing so would only worsen Nigeria’s image. It would be like receiving a slap and then smiling in return.”

He argued that any engagement with the U.S. must project strength, clarity, and national dignity, not desperation.

“Appoint Ambassadors Now”

Baba-Ahmed also criticised the administration for failing to appoint ambassadors more than a year into its tenure, describing the omission as “diplomatically reckless.”

“We have said it over and over again, appoint ambassadors!” he stressed.
“Right now, many countries barely engage with Nigeria because we lack official diplomatic representation. A country without ambassadors is practically invisible in global affairs.”

The former aide warned that Nigeria’s global influence could continue to erode unless the government urgently rebuilds its foreign service and restores professional diplomatic capacity.

“Tinubu Must Act Now”

Baba-Ahmed concluded by urging the President to speak directly to Nigerians and take decisive steps to reassert Nigeria’s leadership and credibility on the world stage.

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

His comments come as both domestic and international observers continue to call for greater clarity from the Nigerian Presidency following Washington’s hard-line rhetoric and rising public concern over bilateral relations.