High commissioner Sarafa recalled as Tinubu asks all non-career ambassadors to return home

NIGERIA'S high commissioner to the UK Ambassador Sarafa Ishola has been recalled to Abuja as part of a major overhaul of the diplomatic corp that has seen the government recall all non-career ambassadors worldwide.

President Bola Tinubu, who assumed office on May 29 this year, has written to all non-career envoys, asking them to return to Nigeria buy October 30. Ambassador Ishola's recall was contained in a letter signed by foreign minister Yusuf Tuggar, dated August 31 and it is expected that President Tinubu will now replace all these envoys with his own political appointees

Mr Tuggar's letter read: “I have the honour to notify you of Mr President’s decision to recall you, signalling the end of your tenure as ambassador extraordinary and plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the United Kingdom. By this communication, you are now expected to commence the process of winding down your affairs and take formal leave of your host government within 60 days and to return to Nigeria by 31 October, 2023 at the latest.”

In the letter, Mr Tuggar thanked the ambassador for his service and wished him well in his future endeavours.  Former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Ambassador Ishola as the high commissioner to the UK in January 2021.

Prior to being named envoy to the UK, Ambassador Ishola had previously held the position of minister for mines and steel development under the late former President Musa Yar’Adua. He also served as secretary to the of Ogun State government between 2003 and 2007 and was once the chairman of Abeokuta North Local Government Area.