Nigeria Criminalises Unauthorised Use Of Diplomatic Titles, Cracks Down On Pretend Ambassadors
The Federal Authorities has declared the unauthorised use of ambassadorial titles a prison offence, because it strikes to curb the rising pattern of impersonation and fraudulent claims to diplomatic standing.
The spokesperson of the Ministry of International Affairs Nigeria, Kimiebi Ebienfa, raised considerations over what he described as a disturbing rise within the misuse of diplomatic titles, warning that such actions expose Nigeria to reputational dangers and worldwide embarrassment.
Talking in Abuja, Ebienfa emphasised that solely Bola Tinubu has the constitutional authority to nominate and accredit ambassadors, stressing that any particular person or group claiming in any other case is appearing illegally.
He described as “worrisome” the actions of people and organisations that confer ambassadorial titles on themselves or others, typically for {financial} acquire or social recognition.
In accordance with him, such practices haven’t any authorized foundation and quantity to impersonation, noting that offenders danger prosecution beneath the legislation.
Ebienfa listed frequent violations to incorporate the unauthorised use of titles reminiscent of “Ambassador” and “Diplomatic Envoy,” the issuance of pretend diplomatic passports and id playing cards, and using counterfeit automobile quantity plates bearing official insignia.
He cautioned Nigerians in opposition to accepting such titles from unofficial our bodies, stressing that those that parade themselves as ambassadors with out authorized backing are committing a prison offence.
The ministry additionally clarified that people appointed as model ambassadors for industrial functions usually are not entitled to make use of diplomatic titles, as such roles carry no official or authorized standing.
To implement compliance, the federal government is collaborating with businesses together with the Nigeria Immigration Service and the Federal Street Security Corps to establish, arrest, and prosecute offenders.
Ebienfa reaffirmed the federal government’s dedication to safeguarding the integrity of Nigeria’s diplomatic system, warning that any act able to misrepresenting the nation globally is not going to be tolerated.
By Michael Olugbode
Times Nigeria