By Henry Umoru

Abuja—A former Nigerian Consul-General to the United States, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has described recent statements credited to the US ambassador to Nigeria, Mr James Entwistle, on why his country was blocking arms purchase by the Nigerian government as “tactless and undiplomatic”.

In a statement titled America-Nigeria troubled relations issued in Abuja, Keshi said it is unfortunate that the American envoy has failed to understand the enormity of the security challenges facing Nigeria and use his position to foster relations between the two countries, who are prime targets of terrorist attacks and insurgency.

While regretting that certain former Nigerian leaders and opposition politicians are conniving with American envoys to discredit the Jonathan administration and create a gulf between Nigeria and the Obama Presidency, the diplomat said the current security challenges make it imperative for Nigerians to stand up and protect the honour of their country.

Keshi, who was once a Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the American government which failed in its promise to assist Nigeria in the search and rescue of the Chibok girls should not be seen to be taking a position which could demoralize the Nigerian Military or denigrate the Nigerian government.

While describing the American policy as “double faced”, the diplomat said “No Nigerian should be impressed, misled or fooled by American excuses. There are credible evidence, from available official US records indicating that the United States has over the years, executed some of the biggest arms shipments, running into several billions of dollars to countries with abysmal human right records.”