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U.S. Orders Families of Diplomats, Americans to Leave Ukraine

Published

4 years ago

January 24, 2022

Eric

The United States is ordering the relatives of American embassy staffers in Ukraine to leave the country, while giving certain diplomats the option to depart, the State Department said on Sunday, in the latest sign that American officials think Russia is likely to once again invade Ukraine.

The authorized and ordered departures followed assurances by Secretary of State Antony Blinken that the U.S. and allied nations are prepared to counter Russia if it continues its aggressive actions toward Ukraine. Blinken said on Sunday that officials were readying an array of options to respond to various moves by Moscow, although a diplomatic resolution was the preferred path.

“We’re prepared either way,” Blinken said on CNN’s “State of the Union.” “Basically, at this point, the choice is Vladimir Putin’s,” he said of the Russian president, who previously invaded Ukraine in 2014.

Senior State Department officials, in announcing the departure decisions for U.S. Embassy staff and their families in Kyiv, the Ukrainian capital, reiterated earlier warnings that American citizens should avoid travel to the country at this time. U.S. citizens currently in Ukraine should consider leaving by commercial airlines or other available means, the officials added.

The officials declined to offer statistics on how many diplomats and their family members could be affected. They noted, however, that the embassy would stay open, and that the optional departure of some staffers — those American employees who fall into non-emergency categories — wasn’t meant as a knock on the Ukrainian government.

The actions “in no way undermine our support for or commitment to Ukraine,” a senior State Department official said.

The officials did, however, say they remained concerned about internal political stability in Ukraine, which Russia has tried to destabilize through disinformation and other means. In a recent statement, the British Foreign Office said it had evidence that Putin’s government wants to install a Russia-friendly government in Ukraine while it considers invading.

U.S. officials have privately said that American citizens should not expect an Afghanistan-style evacuation operation in Ukraine, and that the situation in Kabul last August was a highly unusual one that should not be considered a precedent. American citizens aren’t required to register with the U.S. government when they go abroad, and State Department officials said they did not know how many were in Ukraine.

There has been a flurry of activity in recent weeks as the Biden administration and European counterparts try to deter Russia from attacking Ukraine, where Russia has built up a massive troop presence along the two countries’ shared border.

The disputes extend well beyond simple questions of territory and local issues; Russia is eager to keep NATO from snuggling close to its own borders, and Putin seems intent on bringing back some of the power and prestige that were lost when Mikhail Gorbachev dissolved the Soviet Union in December 1991.

“We’ll see if we can advance the diplomacy,” Blinken said on Sunday on CBS’ “Face the Nation.” “But even as we’re doing that, we’re preparing — building up defenses, building up deterrence — if Russia chooses the other path.”

Blinken said there were several areas where a compromise could be reached, if Moscow wanted to pursue that pathway, while emphasizing that several items Russia had brought up in discussions were nonstarters — such as barring Ukraine from joining the NATO alliance.

“I was very clear with Foreign Minister [Sergey] Lavrov, as we’ve been, that there’s certain basic principles that we’re not by one iota going to compromise on,” he said on CNN. “Including, for example, NATO’s open door, the right of countries to choose with whom they’ll associate, which alliances they’ll join.”

Blinken also offered assurances that the United States and others would forcefully meet any Russian military maneuver into Ukraine — a point that the administration has stressed repeatedly in the days after President Joe Biden rankled Ukrainian leaders by discussing the possibility of stomaching a “minor incursion.”

“If a single additional Russian force goes into Ukraine in an aggressive way, as I said, that would trigger a swift, severe and united response from us and from Europe,” Blinken said.

Former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Blinken made a “much stronger statement” on Sunday than Biden had last week, but added that the current administration needed to go further to ward off Russia.

“If there’s room for doubt, if there is space, Vladimir Putin will drive a truck through that gap,” Pompeo said on “Fox News Sunday.”

Blinken also argued on “State of the Union” that imposing sanctions on Russia now would take away a deterrent effect, contending: “All of the things that we’re doing, including building up in a united way with Europe massive consequences for Russia, is designed to factor into President Putin’s calculus and to deter and dissuade him from taking aggressive action, even as we pursue diplomacy at the same time.”

On “State of the Union,” Sen. (R-Iowa) rejected Blinken’s comments on sanctions — though she said “all options should be on the table” for a response if Russia did invade Ukraine. Discussing the situation from a Cold War perspective, she argued that the U.S. needed to act now in opposition to Russia, rather than wait for an invasion.

“When it comes to pushing back against Russia, we need to show strength and not be in a position of doctrine of appeasement, which seems to be how President Biden has worked his administration,” Ernst said. “So, we do need to go ahead and impose sanctions on Russia now.”

In contrast, Sen. (D-Del.) argued on ABC’s “This Week” on Sunday morning that the Biden White House was deterring Putin from invading Ukraine by pulling together NATO allies and had “invested time and effort in rebuilding our European partnerships,” unlike the Trump administration.

Still, Coons added that he thought Congress should “take up and pass” a bipartisan bill to apply some sanctions now.

“But the very strongest sanctions, the sorts of sanctions that we use to bring Iran to the table, is something that we should hold out as a deterrent to prevent Putin from taking the last step of invading Ukraine,” Coons added.

Joining the flurry of lawmakers responding to Blinken’s comments on Sunday was Rep. (R-Texas), who claimed on “Face the Nation” that “this all started” with the botched military withdrawal from Afghanistan last summer, which resulted in a takeover by the Taliban.

“This is not just about Ukraine,” McCaul said, arguing that “this has broader global ramifications.”

“We’re seen as weak right now because of President Biden, his comments about a limited invasion was somehow acceptable, and that NATO was divided,” McCaul said. “I think one thing he said was true is that NATO is divided, and that’s — Putin’s goal is to divide and weaken NATO. He’s accomplished some of that.”

Politico

Featured

Presidency Releases Postings of Ambassadors-designate

Published

7 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Eric

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the postings of 31 career and 34 non-career ambassadors to various countries and the United Nations. The Senate confirmed the ambassadors-designate last December.

POSTINGS OF NON-CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED

1. SENATOR GRACE BENT: LOME-TOGO

2. SEN. ITA ENANG: SOUTH AFRICA

3. IKPEAZU VICTOR: SPAIN

4. NKECHI LINDA UFOCHUKWU: TEL-AVIV, ISRAEL

5. MAHMUD YAKUBU: QATAR

6. PAUL OGA ADIKWU: THE VATICAN CITY HOLY SEE

7. VICE ADMIRAL IBOK-ETE EKWE IBAS: THE PHILIPPINES

8. MR. RENO OMOKRI: MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

9. HON. (ENGR.) ABASI BRAIMAH (FMHR): BUDAPEST, HUNGARY

10. MRS. ERELU ANGELA ADEBAYO: PORTUGAL

11. BARR. OLUMILUA OLUWAYIMIKA AYOTUNWA: TOKYO, JAPAN

12. RT. HON. UGWUANYI IFEANYI LAWRENCE: ATHENS, GREECE

13. BARR. CHIOMA PRISCILLA OHAKIM: WARSAW, POLAND

14. AMINU DALHATU: UNITED KINGDOM, UK

15. LT. GEN ABDULRAHMAN BELLO DAMBAZAU: BEIJING, CHINA

16. HON. TASIU MUSA MAIGARI: GAMBIA

17. OLUFEMI PEDRO: AUSTRALIA

18. BARR. MUHAMMED UBANDOMA ALIYU: ARGENTINA

19. LATEEF KAYODE ARE: USA

20. AMB. JOSEPH SOLA IJI: RUSSIA

21. SEN. JIMOH IBRAHIM: UN PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE

22. FEMI FANI KAYODE: GERMANY

23. PROF. ISAAK FOLORUNSO ADEWOLE: OTTAWA, CANADA

24. AJIMOBI FATIMA FLORENCE (F): AUSTRIA

25. MRS. LOLA AKANDE (F): SWEDEN

26. AYODELE OKE: FRANCE

27. YAKUBU N. GAMBO: SAUDI ARABIA

28. SENATOR PROF. NORA LADI DADUUT: SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA

29. BARR. ONUEZE CHUKWUJIKA JOE OKOCHA SAN: DUBLIN

30. DR. KULU HARUNA ABUBAKAR: TUNIS, TUNISIA

31. RT. HON. JERRY SAMUEL MANWE: PORT OF SPAIN, T&T

POSTINGS OF CAREER AMBASSADORS / HIGH COMMISSIONERS LIST
S/N NAME MISSION APPROVED

1. AMB. NWABIOLA EZENWA CHUKWUMEKA: COTE D’IV/OIRE

2. BESTO MAIMUNA IBRAHIM: NIAMEY-NIGER

3. MONICA OKWUCHUKWU ENEBECHI: SAO TOME, STP

4. AMB. MOHAMMED MAHMUD LELE: ALGIERS-ALGERIA

5. ENDONI SYNDOPH PAEBI: OUAGADOUGOU-BURKINA FASO

6. AHMED MOHAMMED MONGUNO: CAIRO EGYPT

7. AMB.JANE ADAMS (NEE OKON) MICHAEL (F): KINGSTON-JAMAICA

8. AMB. CLARK-OMERU ALEXANDRA (F): LUSAKA-ZAMBIA

9. CHIMA GEOGGREY LIOMA DAVID: BAMAKO-MALI

10. AMB. ODUMAH YVONNE EHINOSEN: MALABO –E/GUINEA

11. AMB WASA SEGUN IGE: BEIRUT, LEBANON

12. RUBEN ABIMBOLA SAMUEL (F): ROME, ITALY

13. AMB.ONAGA OGECHUKWU KINGSLEY: MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE

14. AMB.MAGAJI UMAR: KINSASHA, DR CONGO

15. AMB.MUHAMMAD SAIDU DAHIRU: NEW DELHI-INDIA

16. AMB. ABDUSSALAM HABU ZAYYAD: DAKAR-SENEGAL

17. AMB SHEHU ILU BARDE: ACCRA GHANA

18. AMB.AMINU NASIR: ETHIOPIA

19. ABUBAKAR MUSA MUSA: N’DJAMENA, CHAD

20. AMB. HAIDARA MOHAMMED IDRIS: THE HAGUE-NETHERLANDS

21. AMB.BAKO ADAMU UMAR: RABAT-MOROCCO

22. AMB. SULU GAMBARI OLATUNJI AHMED: MALAYSIA

23. AMB.ROMATA MOHAMMED OMOBOLANLE (F): TANZANIA

24. AMB. SHAGA JOHN SHAMAH: BOTSWANA

25. SALAU, HAMZA MOHAMMED: TEHRAN, IRAN

26. AMB.IBRAHIM DANLAMI: KENYA

27. IBRAHIM ADEOLA MOPELOLA (F): COTONOU-BENIN

28. AMB.AYENI ADEBAYO EMMANUEL: BRUSSELS, BELGIUM

29. AMB.AKANDE WAHAB ADEKOLA: BERNE-SWITZERLAND

30. AMB. AREWA (NEE ADEDOKUN) ESTHER (F): WINDHOEK-NAMIBIA

31. AMB.GERGADI JOSEPH JOHN: LIBREVILLE-GABON

32. AMB. LUTHER OGBOMODE AYO-KALATA (F): SIERRA LEONE

33. DANLADI YAKUBU NYAKU : KHARTOUM-SUDAN

34. BELLO DOGON-DAJI HALIRU: BANGKOK, THAILAND

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has already received agrément from the United Kingdom for the High Commissioner-designate, Ambassador Aminu Dalhatu. Similarly, France has sent the agrément for Ambassador Ayo Oke.

The Ministry has also conveyed the nominations of the other 62 designated envoys to all the countries concerned, including a request for their agréments in line with standard diplomatic practice.

President Tinubu has directed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should immediately commence the induction programme for the ambassadors-designate and High Commissioners.

Bayo Onanuga,

Special Adviser to the President,

(Information and Strategy)

March 6, 2026.

Featured

Mike Ozekhome Celebrates Obasanjo at 89, Says Former President Wiser with Age

Published

11 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Constitutional and human rights lawyer, Prof Mike Ozekhome, has felicitated with former President Olusegun Obasanjo, as he Celebrates 89 years of life, saying the ex-head of state has grown wiser with age.

Ozekhome made the remarks in a birthday tribute he wrote, and made available to The Boss, stressing the octogenarian is a living legend and a human prodigy, among a catalogue of honours he bestowed on him.

Ozekhome’s full text of goodwill message is presented as follows:

“As Chief Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR, Ph.D, former military Head of State and later President, Commander-In- Chief of the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria marks his 89th birthday, it is proper to pay tribute to this remarkable living legend and human prodigy. My writeup on him at 87, two years ago was aptly titled, “OBJ, Please, Remain OBJ”. And he has remained true to himself – weaving, bubbling, speaking, traveling, lecturing and still dancing and playing football. What a homo sapien!

“Baba Obasanjo is a beacon of hope, a symbol of integrity, and a champion of Nigeria’s progress. His legacy as a distinguished elders statesman,uncommon leader, and irrepressible nation-builder is permanently etched on marble.His contributions to Nigeria’s growth and development are simply unquantifiable.

“I recall him singing my birthday song and cutting my birthday cake at ABUAD’s 10th Convocation Lecture 4 years ago after I delivered the Convocation lecture and received a doctorate degree (honoris causa) in law (LL.D). His achievements are simply ineffable, including military exploits, authorship of over 20 books, and an unwavering commitment to democracy and good governance.

“One cannot forget that OBJ played a major role when he accepted on behalf of Nigeria, the mantle of surrender by General Phillip Effiong on behalf of the Biafran army, thus ending a 30 months needless, bloody civil war that consumed over 3 million lives with attendant suffering and destitition. “Your wisdom, vision, and leadership are needed now more than ever,” I had written two years ago, describing him thus: ‘Please, OBJ, remain OBJ – a true icon, a guiding light, and a hero of our time.’

“Baba’s leadership has left an indelible mark on Nigeria, inspiring generations not only in Nigeria and Africa, but within the entire black race. As an international figure, his voice resonates even as his rare wisdom and experience are globally sought, leading to his epic position as Co-Chairman of the Inter-Action Council of former Heads of State and Government.

“Some of his many books, including “My Watch” and “The Art of Leading”, are loud testaments to his deep thinking and intellectual prowess.

“Very often, he speaks truth to power, advocating for justice, fairness, and equality for all, damning the consequences.

“OBJ’s life reminds us that we all have a role in shaping our country’s future.

“Seest thou a man blessed round and round by God in all ramifications; nurtured in humble beginnings, but attained the height of a living sage and deity? A man since inducted into the pantheon of heroes of modern day Nigeria, bestrididing the military, democratic and governance worlds of Nigeria? That is legendary OBJ.

“As Baba marks this 89th milestone birthday, I pray that God grants him many more years ( Gen 6:3) of good health, fulfillment, happiness, and peace that passeth all understanding ( Phil 4:7). Amen.”

Featured

Akinwumi Adesina Celebrates Obasanjo at 89

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Eric

By Eric Elezuo

Immediate Past President of African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr Akinwumi Adesina, has celebrated former President Olusegun Obasanjo, on his 89th birthday.

In the statement the former Minister of Agriculture signed on behalf of himself and his wife, he noted that Obasanjo is a man of wisdom, foresight, courage and boldness among other qualities.

The statement titled, Happy Birthday: President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, at 89, is presented as follows, in full:

Today, we celebrate a man who walks across generations like a bridge between time and destiny – a leader whose credibility is unquestioned and whose respect knows no borders.

A man of wisdom, rich with insight. A man of courage, who steps boldly into the battlefields of ideas and argument, unafraid to speak, unafraid to stand, unafraid to be counted.

In the public square he cannot be silenced. He does not merely ruffle feathers – he pulls them out, speaking truths that are sometimes uncomfortable, yet always necessary, driven by an unwavering devotion to truth, equity, and justice.

Disciplined in thought. Disciplined in action. Disciplined in judgment.

When conflict rises and storms gather over nations, the world turns to voices of wisdom— and among those voices uniquely stands President Obasanjo.

A leader who dares to walk where others hesitate. A man who speaks to the mighty without fear and lifts the weary without condescension— challenging the powerful to do what is right, while urging the humble never to lose hope.

An indefatigable spirit, whose optimism refuses to drown in the tides of despair, rising ever higher with a familiar refrain echoing across years: “We will get it right.”

A defender of the weak. A reconciler of enemies.

A soldier who walked through the fires of war and emerged a builder of peace, a bridge for peace, a reconciler of differences, and a defender of the weak.

The Yoruba adage reminds us: “An elder cannot stand in the marketplace and watch the head of a baby slump on the back of its mother.”

Baba Obasanjo is an elder among elders. He will not only warn the mother to secure the child— he will help her do it. And if the knot still loosens, he will do what only the truly responsible elder does: lift the child himself and carry the infant upon his own back.

A man whose memory is sharp as history itself— remembering dates, details, and moments with the precision of a living archive.

And yet, beyond titles and offices, beyond uniforms and presidential seals, he remains something greater:

A father not only to his own, but to many. To a nation. To a continent.

The Baba of Africa. The Baba of the world.

Today, as you turn 89, we celebrate not only the years you have lived but the lives you have touched, the conflicts you have calmed, and the courage you have inspired.

May God continue to grant you strength, health, and vitality.

May your voice remain strong, your wisdom undimmed, your presence a guiding light for generations yet unborn.

For in the long march of time, you stand as one of its wisest elders.

The timeless Baba.
Happy 89th Birthday.
Hearty congratulations!

Dr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, CON, C.G.H. (‘Akin 45’) and Grace Oluyemisi Adesina (“Yemisi 55”)