Senate President Godswill Akpabio has addressed concerns over the reported scale-down of operations at the United States Embassy in Nigeria, attributing the move to global security tensions rather than local political developments.
This follows a directive by the United States Department of State authorising the departure of non-essential personnel and their families from its Abuja mission, citing rising security risks including crime, terrorism, kidnapping, and civil unrest.
Speaking in Abuja, Akpabio dismissed claims that the development is tied to Nigeria’s electoral cycle, stressing that such assumptions are misplaced.
According to him, countries like the United States often take precautionary measures globally due to tensions with adversaries such as Iran.
He explained that concerns over possible international threats could prompt temporary staff reductions at embassies worldwide, urging Nigerians not to interpret the situation as a reflection of domestic instability.
Akpabio further reassured citizens, expressing confidence that Nigeria remains safe despite ongoing global uncertainties.