Oladipo Ibironke-Duyile.
When his name came up as Ambassador-Designate, those who knew his antecedents saw that nomination as the one of the best things to have happened to the diplomatic community in South Africa – Nigeria relations.
To say it all, His Excellency, Muhammad Haruna Manta is a man of his words. And he portrays that wherever he goes. That virtue has earned his the acronym – “Mr. Fix it”
Though not infallible to shortcomings, ardent followers of human performance index has over time adjudged him, a man who always rise above falls and improves on his shortcomings.
Since he came aboard as High Commissioner in South Africa, the operations standard of the Nigerian High Commission has greatly improved. The hitherto records of complaints by Nigerians in South Africa are daily being attended to.
It is instructive here to note that the job of diplomats are not as easy as many would think. The Manta administration at the Nigerian House in South Africa deserves applause. Having successfully improved on the relations between Nigeria and South Africa and securing the successful hosting of the South African President Cyril Ramaphosa and his delegation in Abuja recently. That feat remain commended by the lovers of these two great countries in Africa.
During that trip to Nigeria, a lot were discussed and agreement sealed and signed in the process. All aimed at ensuring a successful relationship between the two nations and their citizens across board.
At that critical time when most countries would not venture into such a diplomatic relations rebirth exercise, the Amb. Haruna Manta led-Mission and the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Ministry experts aided by the Nigerian Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama took the bull by the horns and showed the whole world that love is above everything. Restating that Nigeria and South Africa have come along way as great African nations in leading the African continent when it matters most.
It will be recalled that the advent of Ambassador Haruna Manta into the Nigerian House began when Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria,
replaced two non – career ambassadors, and made other appointments.
The president sought the Senate’s approval for the appointment. He replaced the nomination of Peter Gana (Niger) and Yusuf Mohammed (Yobe) with Muhammed Manta and Yusufu Yunusa from Niger and Yobe States respectively.
The appointment of Haruna Manta was contained in a letter seeking confirmation of the new nominees which was read out by the Senate President, Ahmad Lawan, during plenary at the Nigerian National Assembly, Abuja.
“In accordance to section 171(1)(2)(c) & Subsection (4) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, l have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the appointment of Amb. Muhammad Haruna Manta and Yusufu Yunusa from Niger and Yobe States respectively, as Non-Career Ambassadors Designate. Copies of their Curriculum Vitae are attached herewith.
“The Senate is kindly requested to recall my earlier submission of Air Commodore Peter Ndabake Gana (RM) and Alh. Yusuf Mohammad, from Niger and Yobe States respectively who were not confirmed and to kindly substitute Air Commodore Peter Ndabake Gana with Amb. Muhammad Haruna Manta, Niger State and also Alh. Yusuf Mohammad. with Yasufu Yunusa, Yobe State,” the letter read.
Later, at the resumption of office having fulfilled all diplomatic official presentation of resume to the host country, the
High Commissioner was introduced to the Nigerian community by the Consulate-General in Johannesburg as on Saturday, 31st August 2021 at a moderately organized a welcome reception.
Then, His Excellency, Muhammad Haruna Manta who was formally presented to leaders of the various Nigerian Associations, Communities, and Organizations in South Africa expressed gratitude for the warm reception and urged the leaders to sustain their good work of promoting peace, unity, and patriotism.
Today, a fair assessment of the High Commission in South Africa has increased the ratings of the Commission and it’s members of staff in across board. That to many, is the Manta magic wand.
