Former Presidential Adviser, Dr. Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has faulted President Bola Tinubu’s silence amid rising diplomatic tension between Nigeria and the United States, describing it as a troubling sign of weak leadership.

President of the United States, Donald Trump, had last week designated Nigeria as a Country of Particular Concern (CPC) over what he termed the “mass slaughter of Christians,” and further warned of possible U.S. military intervention if Nigerian authorities failed to act.

Reacting in a statement on his verified Facebook page on Thursday, Baba-Ahmed said the President ought to have addressed Nigerians personally, rather than leaving the matter to aides or ministers.

“If President Tinubu truly understands the burden of leadership, he should have spoken to Nigerians by now,” he wrote. “This is not the time for aides or ministers to speak on his behalf. The President himself must calm the nation, explain Nigeria’s position, and outline the steps his administration intends to take.”

The elder statesman warned that Tinubu’s continued silence sends a dangerous signal both at home and abroad.

“This silence suggests that our country lacks both direction and a coherent voice,” he said.

Commenting on reports that the President may be planning a visit to the United States to meet with Trump, Baba-Ahmed advised against such a move, saying it would further dent Nigeria’s image.

“At this critical moment, travelling to America to meet Trump would be a grave mistake. It would be like smiling after receiving a slap,” he cautioned.

Baba-Ahmed also criticised the Tinubu administration for failing to appoint ambassadors more than a year after assuming office, saying the vacuum has weakened Nigeria’s diplomatic visibility.

“Many countries hardly engage with Nigeria today because we lack official representation. A nation without ambassadors is almost invisible in global affairs,” he said.

He urged President Tinubu to act swiftly by appointing ambassadors, rebuilding Nigeria’s foreign relations, and addressing the nation directly.

“If the President truly listens to those who care about this country, he must act now — appoint ambassadors, restore Nigeria’s diplomatic strength, and speak directly to the people he governs,” he added.