Former Mayor of Portlaoise, County Laois in the Republic of Ireland, Rotimi Adebari, discusses the importance of appointing new envoys for Nigeria and addressing the spate of killings of Nigerians abroad in an interview with IMOLEAYO OYEDEYI. Adebari highlights the need for diplomatic presence in foreign countries and the benefits it brings, emphasizing the role of effective foreign relations in attracting investment opportunities and fostering economic growth for Nigeria.
Adebari also touches on the issue of extrajudicial killings of Nigerians abroad and the responsibility of Nigerian embassies in protecting citizens. He suggests that better communication and support from embassies, as well as diplomatic efforts to address racism and xenophobia, are crucial in stemming the tide of killings.
Regarding Nigeria’s political system, Adebari advocates for a return to a parliamentary system of government, citing its potential benefits in promoting accountability and inclusive decision-making. He challenges the political class to prioritize the nation’s interests over personal gains and urges a closer alignment with the aspirations of the populace.
Adebari concludes by calling for a holistic assessment of the current administration’s performance based on key governance metrics and recommends an unbiased opinion poll to gauge public sentiment. He underscores the importance of engaging diverse stakeholders in evaluating the government’s progress and addressing the country’s pressing challenges.