Confusion in Presidency over Russia-Ukraine crisis

There appears to be lingering confusion in the Nigerian presidency. After President Muhammadu Buhari had in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity expressed concerns about the refusal of Ukraine to allow Nigerians resident in the country to leave, adding that Poland also disallow Nigerians and other Africans entry from Ukraine, the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that 256 Nigerians have been received in Poland, Hungary, Romania. The foreign affairs ministry in a statement on Monday acknowledged that 130 Nigerians have been received by the Nigerian embassy in Romania.

The ministry disclosed that they have been provided accommodation, while arrangements are made to bring them back home.

According to the statement by the Permanent Secretary of foreign Affairs Ministry, Ambassador Gabriel Aduda, “Also, officials at Budapest, Hungary, have received and accommodated 74 Nigerians safely, where they are being documented for subsequent travel arrangements back to Nigeria.”

“Another batch of about 200 Nigerians is expected in Budapest later in the day.”

The Perm Sec further disclosed that 52 persons have been received in Warsaw, Poland; noting that 23 are being processed at the Polish Government Reception Point at Hala Kijowska.

The statement further read: “The camp is well organised with beds and beddings, food, heating, clothing, and medicals for evacuees.

“We assure Nigerians that all hands are on deck and arrangements are being put in place to effectively evacuate our citizens, in safety and dignity.

“For now, movement to the Hungarian Zahony border and Romanian Suceava, Tulcea, Satu Mare County and Maramures borders is advised, as they have approved visa-free access to all Nigerians coming from Ukraine and arrangements for accommodation and feeding before evacuation is arranged.”

The President had also on Monday expressed concerns over reports of Nigerians being barred from exiting Ukraine, saying it is “unfortunate”.

The president had protested: “We understand the pain and fear that is confronting all people who find themselves in this terrifying place.

“We also appreciate that those in official positions in security and border management will in most cases be experiencing impossible expectations in a situation they never expected. But, for that reason, it is paramount that everyone is treated with dignity and without favour.”