Former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines and veteran broadcaster, Ambassador Yemi Farounbi, has warned President Bola Tinubu against visiting former U.S. President Donald Trump, describing such a move as politically insensitive and diplomatically unnecessary.

Recall that US President Donald Trump has on Friday, named Nigeria a “country of particular concern” over the alleged persecution of Christians.

Trump also warned that Nigeria could lose US aid if it fails to tackle insecurity.

Speaking in an exclusive interview on Frontline, a current affairs programme on Eagle 102.5 FM, Ilese Ijebu, Ambassador Farounbi said President Tinubu must avoid actions that portray Nigeria as seeking validation from leaders who have little regard for Africa’s dignity. He maintained that Trump’s recent rhetoric on Nigeria and his past policies towards the continent showed “a lack of respect for African nations,” insisting that “Tinubu should not go and meet Trump.”

According to him, “Nigeria’s president represents the soul of over 200 million people. He should not visit anyone who once called African nations ‘shithole countries.’ We must act like a nation that values itself, not one begging to be recognized.”

*U.S. Designation, a Consequence of Nigeria’s Diplomatic Silence*

Farounbi said the recent decision of the United States government to designate Nigeria as a “country of particular concern” over alleged persecution of Christians was a direct result of Nigeria’s poor diplomatic response to international criticism.

He described the U.S. action as “a predictable outcome of our silence and inaction,” stressing that several warning signs had been ignored over the years.

“We cannot claim we didn’t see this coming,” he said. “For years, Catholic bishops from Benue and Plateau States have appeared before the U.S. Congress and European Parliament, presenting statistics of Christians killed by militants, yet Nigeria offered no strong counter-narrative.”

The veteran diplomat expressed concern that Nigeria had not maintained a full-fledged ambassador in Washington for years, leaving the country’s image undefended. “Our story was never told officially,” he said, adding that such diplomatic negligence allowed foreign lobbyists and politicians to define Nigeria as intolerant and unsafe.

Recall that The United States Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, has also said the country’s Department of War is preparing for possible action in Nigeria following reports of attacks on Christians.

Hegseth made this known in a post on X, responding to President Donald Trump’s earlier threat of military intervention over alleged persecution of Christians in Nigeria.

*“We Created a Vacuum Foreign Actors Filled”*

Farounbi noted that the international community often relies on reports and testimonies submitted by advocacy groups and NGOs, many of which operate with bias or limited understanding of Nigeria’s complexities.

“When you refuse to speak for yourself, others will speak for you,” he warned. “And when they do, they will not tell your story with fairness.”

He recalled that during his years in diplomacy, Nigeria maintained a robust foreign engagement strategy anchored on proactive communication, evidence-based dialogue, and strategic presence at international forums. “Today, we are hardly represented,” he lamented. “Even our diplomats lack the resources and backing to defend our image.”

Consequences for Nigeria’s Image and Economy

The former envoy warned that being listed as a country of particular concern carries severe consequences for Nigeria’s economy and international partnerships.

He explained that the designation could affect foreign investment, restrict the sale of advanced military technology, and discourage intelligence-sharing between Nigeria and the U.S. in the fight against terrorism.

“When a nation is profiled as unsafe or intolerant, investors stay away,” he said. “No one wants to channel funds into a country perceived as unstable or hostile to human rights.”

He further observed that such global stigmatization might limit Nigeria’s access to foreign aid, technical cooperation, and tourism, adding that “image is everything in international relations.”

Ambassador Farounbi criticised the country’s approach to foreign relations, saying Nigeria only reacts to crises instead of preventing them through effective communication.

“The world no longer listens when you speak only after being accused,” he stated. “Diplomacy is not about reacting; it’s about engaging consistently, proving facts, and projecting credibility.”

He urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to strengthen Nigeria’s embassies, empower diplomats, and ensure accurate representation of the nation’s challenges. According to him, “If Nigeria must regain international respect, it has to rebuild its foreign service with people who understand global politics and can defend the truth.”

*On Religious Conflict and Internal Failures*

Farounbi also addressed the persistent insecurity and religious tension in parts of Nigeria, noting that internal failings have made the country vulnerable to external criticism.

He said, “We have allowed divisions to fester, and that gives foreigners room to judge us wrongly. If we are united and accountable, nobody will have the power to define who we are.”

He urged the Nigerian government to confront insecurity not through propaganda but through justice, fairness, and respect for human rights. “If we protect all citizens regardless of faith or ethnicity, no one abroad can accuse us of persecution,” he said.

*“Tinubu Must Rebuild Nigeria’s Image with Integrity”*

Ambassador Farounbi concluded by saying that Nigeria’s president must focus on rebuilding trust and respect for the country across the world, rather than seeking the approval of controversial figures.

“President Tinubu should not travel across the world seeking validation from those who have insulted our continent,” he said. “This is the time to rebuild Nigeria’s image through competence, truth, and consistency.”

He added that the government must invest in “rebranding Nigeria through transparency, good governance, and purposeful diplomacy,” stressing that no amount of public relations can repair a nation’s image if its actions do not reflect justice and accountability.

“Let us earn respect by our conduct, not demand it by proximity,” he said.