President Bola Tinubu‘s ambassadorial list has sparked criticisms, and all eyes are on the Nigerian Senate to approach the list with firm, uncompromising scrutiny.
Development Diaries reports that the president unveiled a list of 32, featuring figures such as former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu, former minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The nominations have drawn sharp criticism, and for good reason.
The timing alone raises concerns, as the president waited nearly two years to release a full list of ambassadors. This list should have been ready much earlier, signaling poor coordination in Nigeria’s foreign policy machinery.
As former Special Advisor on Political Matters to President Tinubu, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed has stated that outgoing envoys now have barely over a year to serve, making the delay wasteful and avoidable.
Beyond timing, the presence of several politically exposed figures, some with unresolved allegations, court cases, or public controversies, deepens citizens’ concerns.
Ambassadors are the face of Nigeria abroad, and sending individuals whose integrity is debated at home weakens both national credibility and diplomatic relationships.
This moment called for clarity and competence; instead, the list has triggered debates about suitability and transparency.
Equally worrying is the recycling of former governors, ex-ministers, and other political elites, reinforcing the impression that ambassadorial roles are being used as compensation rather than assigned based on merit.
Criticism from opposition parties, especially over nominees like former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu, shows that many people believe the process is driven more by politics than by what is best for the country.
For the Senate, there are concerns that it has a long history of rubber-stamping nominees, often allowing them to ‘take a bow and go’, especially when they enjoy political protection.
Now, should Nigerians expect rigorous questioning of the nominees, or is there a deeper institutional weakness that shows a system that has drifted far from true accountability?
This moment demands a Senate that will act with clarity and courage. Nigerians expect open questioning, detailed vetting, and decisions that reflect the country’s long-term interest.
The Senate must examine each nominee carefully, challenge questionable records, and clear only those who can represent Nigeria with honour and integrity on the global stage.
