Presidency Defends Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominations as Best for Nigeria
Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has defended the President’s recent ambassadorial nominations, insisting they reflect Tinubu’s judgment on what is best for his administration and the country.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, Oshodi said political appointments to diplomatic positions are common worldwide, with leaders often nominating trusted allies or long-standing associates.
“Whether it’s Donald Trump sending his friends as ambassadors, or the British government posting Peter Mandelson to Washington despite controversies, it is the nature of the business. I’m not saying we should send people of bad character abroad, but it has to be the discretion and political decision of the president or head of state,” he said.
Oshodi emphasised that Nigerians must respect the President’s prerogative, adding that criticisms of the nominees often stem from a misunderstanding of the electoral mandate.
“We voted for a president, and we voted for him to make his decisions. This is the best the President has chosen, and it is the best for the interests and success of his administration,” he said.
He noted that opinions on whether the nominees are “the best” are subjective and that the ambassadors’ performance would ultimately show if the President’s choices were justified.
President Tinubu recently submitted 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation, following an initial batch of three.
The list includes notable figures such as former INEC Chairman Prof Mahmood Yakubu, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, ex-Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
According to Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, nominees will learn their specific diplomatic postings only after Senate confirmation.
The list also includes four women among career ambassadors and six women among non-career appointees.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
