Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Barrister Ezenwo Nyesom Wike on Wednesday received the immediate past Nigerian Ambassador to Jamaica and Dominican Republic, Dr. Maureen P. Tamuno, who paid him a courtesy visit in his office in Abuja.
The FCT Minister commended the Ambassador an indigene of Rivers State, for her service to the nation, saying that the country and people of Rivers State were proud of her accomplishments during her tenure in office.
Barrister Wike stated that he had followed Dr. Tamuno’s antecedents right from when she was a Council Chairman in Rivers State as well as her activities on the international scene, saying that she has given a good account of her stewardship.
According to the Minister, “There are some people who will be allowed to serve the way you are given, they cannot account within the period they served, what they were able to accomplish. It does not matter the tenure. If you cannot do something in one year, you cannot do it in four years.
“People will appreciate when they start seeing what you are doing even within six months or one year, then they will now know that within four years, this is what you will do”.
In a statement by the Director of Press (Office of the Minister), Anthony Ogunleye, the FCT Minister further noted that the Ambassador had acquired valuable experience that could be further utilized for the growth and development of the country and assured that consideration would surely be given for her talents when the opportunity arises for other national assignments.
“Whatever capacity you find yourself, I know you will still perform. When you were Council Chairman, everybody saw what you did. Nobody wants to waste this talent and these experiences. We would want to use it for other things.”
“Be assured that I’m here and whatever it is, I will give you all the necessary support. You have done well politically and nobody can say you are not a relevant factor in the politics of Rivers State and even the politics of Nigeria today.”
Speaking earlier, the Ambassador said she was on the visit to pay homage to the FCT Minister and also informed him that she is back and has gathered a lot of experience both bilaterally and multilaterally.
Dr. Tamuno explained that she was the Ambassador to the Dominican Republic and Haiti, while she also doubled up as the High Commissioner to Jamaica, in addition to representing Nigeria on the International Seabed Authority based in Jamaica.
She said she was able to accomplish a lot of cultural exchanges between Nigeria and Jamaica and also the Dominican Republic during her tour of duty, which lasted for two years and four months, adding that her experience in the Maritime sector has also expanded.