I have always suspected that there is a big disconnect between the utopiatic bubble that the kitchen cabinet, or the inner circle, of President Jonathan's administration keeps the man in, and the reality of the situation in the real world.
In the last five years, there has been a series of diplomatic missteps by the administration that left analysts of international relations baffled.
The US arms embargo, international coalition against Boko Haram, the
seizure for money laundering of a Nigerian aircraft, the isreali
jamboree are some high profile diplomatic spats that while clumsily
handled, could still be overlooked as consequences of our dwindling
international influence.
But what is really baffling, and which to me has neither rhyme or reason, was the face off between Nigeria and Morroco.
I have been scratching my head now for the last couple of days trying to figure out exactly why a phone call, or lack of one, between two leaders would degenerate to such a level that an ambassador is recalled, and we became branded as a nation without ethical standards?
While my blood was pumping with patriotic zeal, trying to unleash all manners of derisive adjectives on Morroco, the Presidency poured cold water on my enthusiasm, and then covered me with a robe of shame.
According to Mr. Abatti, the president's spokesman, the entire thing arose from a misunderstanding, that Mr.Jonathan never spoke with King Abdullah, that an investigation is to be carried out to fish out the "unknown" diplomat who would be punished.
I know we have seen some low points in our foreign relations, but methinks this is the lowest.
Not only have we been caught in a lie, our government has admitted, after a heavy meal of humble pie, that its attempt to contain an embarrassing rebuff from Morroco, caused further damage by insisting there was a phone call, thereby confirming our international reputation as a country with a low moral center.
Is the presidency aware of the press release by the Foreign ministry? Of course.Is the president aware? In general terms, I think so, its implication? Not a clue.
But based on past experiences with this president, as recently as a month ago when he was not aware that the service chiefs had written to INEC over his head, one tends to lean in the direction of deliberate isolation by his key advisers, either to protect the man from perceived intellectual and administrative shortcomings, or as an act of sabotage, either due to incompetence or an hidden agenda.
Either way, heads must roll for this national embarrassment, starting with the Foreign affairs minister, Aminu Wali.
But, knowing the reaction rate of this president to matters not directly in tandem with his political ambition, I am afraid this too, would blow away, while the damage lingers.
My ten kobo.
But what is really baffling, and which to me has neither rhyme or reason, was the face off between Nigeria and Morroco.
I have been scratching my head now for the last couple of days trying to figure out exactly why a phone call, or lack of one, between two leaders would degenerate to such a level that an ambassador is recalled, and we became branded as a nation without ethical standards?
While my blood was pumping with patriotic zeal, trying to unleash all manners of derisive adjectives on Morroco, the Presidency poured cold water on my enthusiasm, and then covered me with a robe of shame.
According to Mr. Abatti, the president's spokesman, the entire thing arose from a misunderstanding, that Mr.Jonathan never spoke with King Abdullah, that an investigation is to be carried out to fish out the "unknown" diplomat who would be punished.
I know we have seen some low points in our foreign relations, but methinks this is the lowest.
Not only have we been caught in a lie, our government has admitted, after a heavy meal of humble pie, that its attempt to contain an embarrassing rebuff from Morroco, caused further damage by insisting there was a phone call, thereby confirming our international reputation as a country with a low moral center.
Is the presidency aware of the press release by the Foreign ministry? Of course.Is the president aware? In general terms, I think so, its implication? Not a clue.
But based on past experiences with this president, as recently as a month ago when he was not aware that the service chiefs had written to INEC over his head, one tends to lean in the direction of deliberate isolation by his key advisers, either to protect the man from perceived intellectual and administrative shortcomings, or as an act of sabotage, either due to incompetence or an hidden agenda.
Either way, heads must roll for this national embarrassment, starting with the Foreign affairs minister, Aminu Wali.
But, knowing the reaction rate of this president to matters not directly in tandem with his political ambition, I am afraid this too, would blow away, while the damage lingers.
My ten kobo.
No comments:
Post a Comment