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The Labour Party’s 2023 presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has described some of the names President Bola Tinubu submitted to the Nigerian Senate for ambassadorial approval as “shocking.”
In a post on X, Obi expressed disappointment with the list, calling several nominees questionable.
“Yes, some of the names being paraded to represent us as ambassadors globally are shocking. But with a leadership that has allowed mediocrity, corruption, and impunity to rise to the top, who else did you expect them to choose?” he asked.
The former Anambra governor also highlighted the economic struggles facing millions of households.
“When our people are being killed, our leaders are busy hosting dinners. When children are being snatched from their schools, the political class are celebrating and dancing. When families cannot afford their next meal, those in power are welcoming defectors and exchanging gifts as though Nigeria is not burning. This is not governance. This is not leadership. And this is certainly not the Nigeria we deserve,” Obi added.
Several other Nigerians have voiced concern about the ambassadorial list. Former Ministry of Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Joe Keshi questioned the character of some nominees, stating they had no business in the diplomatic service “by any standard.”
However, President Tinubu’s Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, defended the nominees, insisting they are the best choice for the administration and arguing that the President has the right to appoint anyone he deems capable of advancing the country.
On November 29, Tinubu submitted a new list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, following an initial list of three sent a week earlier.
The nominees include Reno Omokri, Mahmood Yakubu, Femi Fani-Kayode, Okezie Ikpeazu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Ondo Senator and businessman Jimoh Ibrahim, former Ekiti first lady Erelu Angela Adebayo, and former Adamawa Senator Grace Bent.
The Senate has begun reviewing the names for confirmation.
