Is holding a Guinea Conakry Diplomatic Passport makes someone a citizen? (Tinubu’s case study)

Bola Tinubu’s alleged possession of a Guinea Conakry diplomatic passport has become a trending topic, as his opponents claim that this implies he holds citizenship in the West African country. As a result, Tinubu has had to clear the air and address any misconceptions about diplomatic passports.

Heads up, diplomatic passports are not unique to Guinea Conakry. Many countries, including the UK and the US, issue diplomatic passports to their officials and representatives who serve abroad. These passports are not proof of citizenship but rather serve as identification and travel documents for individuals on official business.

It is important to note that diplomatic passports are not meant for regular citizens but are reserved for officials and envoys representing their countries in foreign nations. The issuance of diplomatic passports is based on international conventions and agreements between nations, and they are subject to strict regulations.

In case you don’t know, diplomatic passports usually contain specific markings that distinguish them from regular passports. For example, the words “Diplomatic Passport” or “Service Passport” are typically printed on the cover in bold letters. Additionally, diplomatic passports often have a different color scheme than regular passports, and the bearer’s photo and personal information are printed in a different format.

In contrast to regular passports, diplomatic passports are not considered proof of citizenship. A person can hold a diplomatic passport without being a citizen of the issuing country. Instead, a diplomatic passport is issued to individuals who are serving as representatives of their countries in international affairs, such as attending diplomatic meetings or negotiating treaties.

In general, diplomatic passports have more limited use than regular passports. For instance, diplomatic passports are not typically used for personal travel, and their holders are subject to different rules and regulations when entering and exiting foreign countries. Additionally, diplomatic passports can be revoked or withdrawn if the bearer is found to have violated the terms and conditions of their issuance.

In Tinubu’s case, his alleged possession of a Guinea Conakry diplomatic passport does not necessarily imply that he holds citizenship in the country. As mentioned earlier, diplomatic passports are not proof of citizenship, and their issuance is subject to strict regulations. It is possible that Tinubu was issued the passport as a representative of his country on official business, such as attending a diplomatic meeting or negotiating a treaty.

In recent years, there have been several instances where prominent individuals have been accused of holding dual citizenship, and this has raised questions about their eligibility to hold public office. However, it is important to note that holding a diplomatic passport or even being a citizen of another country does not necessarily disqualify someone from holding public office in their home country.

For example, the US Constitution does not explicitly prohibit dual citizenship or require candidates for public office to renounce their citizenship in other countries. However, it does require that the President and Vice President be “natural-born citizens” of the US, meaning they were born on US soil or to US citizen parents.

In Nigeria, the constitution states that a person is qualified to run for the office of President if they are a Nigerian citizen by birth, have attained the age of forty, are a member of a political party, and have been sponsored by that political party. The constitution does not explicitly prohibit dual citizenship or require candidates to renounce their citizenship in other countries.

In conclusion, diplomatic passports are not proof of citizenship, and their issuance is subject to strict regulations. Possessing a diplomatic passport does not necessarily imply citizenship in the issuing country. Furthermore, being a citizen of another country or holding a diplomatic passport does not necessarily disqualify someone from holding public office in their home country.

As such, it is important to carefully consider the facts before making any accusations or assumptions about an individual’s eligibility for public office based on their travel documents or citizenship status.