US Downplays Recall Claims, Says Ambassadorial Changes Are Routine

The United States has responded to reports suggesting that its Ambassador to Nigeria was recalled following recent diplomatic exchanges, stressing that ambassadorial changes are routine and not a sign of strained relations between the two countries.

Speaking to Vanguard on Tuesday night, a Senior State Department official in Washington, DC dismissed the speculation, saying, “Any change in Ambassador is a standard process in any administration. An ambassador is a personal representative of the President.”

The official also addressed comments by President Donald Trump regarding alleged religious violence in Nigeria, noting that Washington expects continued progress from the Nigerian government.

“The Government of Nigeria has undertaken reforms to prioritize the protection of Christian populations from extremist violence and we expect Nigeria to continue making measurable progress in combating religiously motivated violence against Christian communities,” the official said.

The clarification comes after reports claimed that the United States had recalled, or was considering recalling, its Ambassador to Nigeria following diplomatic engagements related to security and religious freedom concerns.

Earlier, the Federal Government of Nigeria stated that the diplomatic disagreement arising from President Trump’s remarks had largely been resolved.

The US response, however, indicates that bilateral relations remain intact, with Washington continuing to focus on Nigeria’s efforts to address religiously motivated violence.

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