The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) says some of the individuals put forward as ambassadorial nominees by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal government are afflicted with what can be described as Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)—a condition marked by chronic ethical weakness, unresolved allegations, and a deficit of public trust.
In a statement signed by its Chancellor, Dr. Omenazu Jackson and made available to media houses, on Monday, the group expressed grave concern that these character deficiencies threaten not only Nigeria’s diplomatic standing but also its economic prospects and international relationships.
The statement read; “The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights (ISSJHR) expresses deep alarm over the growing diplomatic vacuum that Nigeria has endured for nearly two years following the recall of ambassadors without structured or timely replacements. This prolonged absence has diminished Nigeria’s global presence, undermined its international negotiations, and exposed the nation to creeping socio-economic isolation at a time when global engagement is crucial for national stability.
“Now that the Federal Government has initiated emergency ambassadorial nominations, ISSJHR is gravely concerned that some of the individuals put forward are afflicted with what can be described as Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS)—a condition marked by chronic ethical weakness, unresolved allegations, and a deficit of public trust. These character deficiencies threaten not only Nigeria’s diplomatic standing but also its economic prospects and international relationships.
“THE GLOBAL REALITY: WHEN DIPLOMATS BECOME OBSTACLES INSTEAD OF OPEN DOORS
Diplomats are meant to be national bridge builders—opening space, building trust, securing investment, and strengthening alliances. Yet history shows that compromised diplomats often become the very hurdles that block progress.
“ISSJHR highlights several examples:
1. Venezuela’s corruption-linked ambassadors rejected or sidelined abroad
“Several nations quietly downgraded engagement with Venezuelan missions when ambassadors were found to have links to money laundering and illicit financial flows.
Impact: trade freezes, weakened bilateral talks, investor flight.
2. South Africa’s state-capture-tainted diplomats
“Envoys linked to the state capture scandal faced distrust from host governments.
Outcome: reduced access to critical diplomatic briefings and partnerships, embarrassing recalls.
3. Uganda’s recalled ambassadors implicated in financial misconduct
“Uganda’s foreign missions suffered international embarrassment when envoys were withdrawn over corruption allegations.
Result: loss of credibility, strained donor relations, impaired diaspora confidence.
4. Nigeria’s own history of diplomatic scandals
“Nigeria has in previous years withdrawn diplomatic officers over: visa rackets, financial impropriety, sexual misconduct, conflict with host-country laws, failure to protect distressed citizens.
“These incidents already strained Nigeria’s reputation. Appointing new diplomats with damaged integrity will deepen the crisis.
“In the modern world, host nations possess credible, detailed intelligence databases on politically exposed persons. Once an ambassador arrives with integrity baggage, the nation they represent is automatically profiled as unstable, unserious, or high-risk.
“A diplomat with Acquired Integrity Deficiency Syndrome cannot be entrusted with sensitive economic talks, security negotiations, or strategic alliances. They close doors instead of opening them.
“THE ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL COST OF WEAK DIPLOMACY
“Nigeria is currently navigating multiple crises: a fragile GDP, soaring inflation, rising unemployment, weakened investor confidence, severe debt pressures, an unstable currency.
“At such a critical moment, diplomacy must be strategic, credible, and intentional.
“But the absence of ambassadors for nearly two years has already led to: missed investment opportunities, weakened participation in global economic governance, poor representation in climate finance, trade, and debt restructuring discussions, reduced protection for Nigerians abroad, declining diaspora engagement, eroded soft power and global influence.
“Introducing integrity-tainted diplomats will further deteriorate Nigeria’s standing and diminish its leverage at global negotiation tables.
“Diplomacy is not a reward for loyalty—it is a frontline instrument of national survival.
“A CAUTION TO NATIONAL LEADERSHIP: AVOID DIPLOMATIC SELF-SABOTAGE
“ISSJHR cautions that sending individuals with questionable moral standing to represent Nigeria is a strategic blunder that will:
“undermine national credibility
“weaken bilateral and multilateral engagements
“trigger suspicion from host governments
“reduce foreign investment inflows
“intensify Nigeria’s international isolation
“The world does not forget reputational baggage. In diplomacy, integrity is currency; when Nigeria sends envoys without it, the nation walks into negotiations empty-handed.
“Nigeria must rise above political patronage, sentiments, and party loyalty. This is the time to rebuild a diplomatic corps grounded in competence, integrity, and national interest.
“A NATIONAL CALL TO THE SENATE: DEEPEN AMBASSADORIAL SCREENING AND DEFEND NIGERIA’S IMAGE
“The International Society for Social Justice and Human Rights calls on the National Assembly (Senate) to exercise its constitutional duty with absolute seriousness, objectivity, and patriotism.
“The Senate must avoid: sentiment, political loyalty, ethnic pressure, rubber-stamping,the “president’s good book” mentality
“Nigeria’s global image should not be sacrificed on the altar of partisan politics.
“ISSJHR urges the Senate to deepen its screening methodology through:
“comprehensive integrity checks
“public service records audits
“anti-corruption verification
“global reputation risk analysis
“professional assessment of diplomatic competence
“rejection of candidates with integrity deficiency
“Ambassadorial screening must evolve into a protective shield against global embarrassment. A single compromised envoy can destroy diplomatic work built over decades and cost Nigeria billions in lost opportunities.
“A FINAL WARNING: NIGERIA MUST CHOOSE BETWEEN DIPLOMATIC RENAISSANCE AND GLOBAL EMBARRASSMENT
“Nigeria stands at a diplomatic crossroads:
“One path leads to credibility, strategic global positioning, economic expansion, and renewed respect.
“The other leads to ridicule, suspicion, isolation, and deeper economic decline.
“These ambassadorial appointments will determine which path the nation takes.
“ISSJHR insists that Nigeria must appoint individuals of unquestionable character, professional competence, and strategic vision. Anything less is unacceptable”.
