By: Manoah Kikekon
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| Mahmood Yakub, Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri |
In a move blending political reconciliation with strategic patronage, President Bola Tinubu has submitted a bombshell list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, featuring some of the most prominent and controversial figures in recent Nigerian political history.
The list, unveiled on Tuesday, signals a major shake-up in Nigeria’s diplomatic corps, nominating a mix of seasoned bureaucrats and high-profile political converts. The most eye-catching names include the immediate past Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Mahmood Yakubu, former Aviation Minister Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, and Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan and a prolific social media commentator.
Wike’s Allies and Ex-Govs Secure Key Nominations
Further underscoring the political undertones of the list, President Tinubu also nominated two key loyalists of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Nyesom Wike. Former Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State, who were members of the defiant G-5 group during the 2023 elections, were named as non-career ambassador-designates. This is seen as a reward for their role in undermining the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the last presidential election.
Senate Receives Formal Request for Expedited Confirmation
The President’s request was formally communicated in two separate letters addressed to the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio. The letters, which were read on the Senate floor, urge the upper legislative house to “consider and confirm expeditiously” the nominees. The list is bifurcated into 15 career ambassadors, drawn from the foreign service corps, and 17 non-career ambassadors, who are typically political appointees.
A Closer Look at the High-Profile Non-Career Ambassadors
The non-career list reads like a who’s who of Nigerian politics and business. Alongside Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Ugwuanyi, and Ikpeazu, other notable names include:
Erelu Angela Adebayo, former First Lady of Ekiti State.
Otunba Femi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State.
Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, a billionaire businessman and current Senator from Ondo State.
Professor Nora Ladi Daduut, a former Senator from Plateau State.
Fatima Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Oyo State.
Career Diplomats Get Their Due on the List
The career ambassador list, while less flashy, represents the professional backbone of Nigeria’s foreign service. The nominees include Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia), Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba), and Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina), among others. The list also features a significant number of women, with four on the career list and six on the non-career list, indicating a move toward greater gender representation in top diplomatic postings.
Strategic Postings to Key Nations and International Bodies Await
According to a statement from Presidential spokesman Bayo Onanuga, the new envoys are slated for postings to nations and bodies critical to Nigeria’s foreign policy and economic interests. The statement highlighted destinations such as China, India, Canada, the United Arab Emirates, South Africa, and the United Nations. “The new nominees are expected to be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains excellent and strategic bilateral relations,” Onanuga stated.
All Eyes on Senate as Scrutiny and Confirmation Process Begins
The Senate is expected to commence a thorough screening process for the nominees in the coming days. The list’s blend of experienced diplomats and politically connected individuals is sure to generate intense debate and scrutiny, setting the stage for a compelling confirmation hearing that will be closely watched by the nation and the international community.