Worried by the rising trend, the Federal Government of Nigeria on Friday warned the public against illegal usurpation of diplomatic titles and the fraudulent conferment of ambassadorial designations by unauthorized persons and groups.
The warning was handed down by the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, while briefing journalists in Abuja.
According to him, the government is deeply concerned over the rise of unscrupulous elements parading themselves as diplomats.
Stressing that such titles are not recognized under Nigerian law or international conventions except duly conferred by the state, he said that there are several criminal activities being investigated by security agencies in the country.
Explaining that the government does not oppose the appointment of “Brand Ambassadors” for advertising or recognition purposes, he said that such individuals have no legal right to add the title “Ambassador” to their names.
He also kicked against use of fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, and unauthorized vehicle number plates bearing federal insignia.
The Spokesperson also revealed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), the VIO, and other security agencies to tackle the ugly trend.
He said "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has observed with grave concern the increasing activities of unscrupulous individuals and unauthorised groups who illegally usurp diplomatic titles and fraudulently confer same, specifically the title of “Ambassador,” upon themselves or unsuspecting members of the public. Such titles are not recognised under Nigerian laws or relevant international conventions.
"The criminal acts perpetrated by unpatriotic elements, which has become worrisome in recent times include: the unauthorized use of titles such as “Ambassador”, “Diplomatic Envoy”, or any other diplomatic nomenclature by persons who have not been duly appointed or accredited by the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; the fraudulent conferment of such titles by self-proclaimed organizations, foundations, institutes, or individuals; the use of fake diplomatic passports, identity cards, vehicle number plates, or fake documents bearing the insignia of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
"The Ministry warns that individuals parading themselves as “Ambassadors" based on such deceitful conferment are engaging in impersonation, which is a criminal offence and therefore strongly cautions all persons involved in such illegalities or parading themselves as Ambassadors to desist forthwith.
"For the avoidance of doubt, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs wishes to state unequivocally that it is only the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria who has the prerogative to appoint and accredit Ambassadors. Besides Mr. President, no individual, group, or non-governmental entity is permitted to confer diplomatic or ambassadorial titles. Moreso, ambassadorial titles are not conferred with the payment of money or subscription to membership in non-governmental organizations. " he stated
On brand ambassadors, he said "Whereas the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is not against the nomination and appointment of qualified Nigerians in all spheres of life as Brand Ambassadors which is a form of recognition or aimed at advertising a product or service. However, it is important to make the clarification that brand ambassadors have no legal right to add the title of Ambassador to their names because that is not recognised by our laws.
"The Ministry is working with relevant security agencies, the Nigerian Immigration Service, the Federal Road Safety Corps, VIO and other stakeholders to ensure that any individual or group found engaging in the usurpation or fraudulent conferment of Ambassadorial titles, and issuance of fake and unauthorized Diplomatic Vehicle Plate Numbers are prosecuted in line with the law. "
The Federal Government, according to him, remains committed to protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic service and will not tolerate any form of misrepresentation that brings the nation to disrepute.