WorldStage– The Presidency has defended President Bola Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial nominations, describing the appointments as strategic decisions made in the nation’s best interest.
Senior Special Assistant on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, said the selections reflect the President’s judgment and align with international practices in diplomatic appointments.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, Oshodi noted that leaders worldwide often nominate trusted allies or long-time associates to represent their governments abroad.
He cited examples, including former U.S. President Donald Trump and the British government, to illustrate that political discretion in such appointments is common globally.
“Whether it’s Trump sending friends as ambassadors, or the British government posting Peter Mandelson to Washington despite controversies, it is the nature of the business,” Oshodi remarked, adding that nominees should still maintain integrity.
Oshodi stressed that Nigerians should respect the President’s prerogative, noting that criticism of the nominees may 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 further emphasized that evaluations of the nominees’ suitability are subjective, and that the ambassadors’ performance will ultimately determine the merit of the appointments.
“Your judgement of what is best is different from mine. He sends his people out to represent his government, whether for economic, security or cultural needs,” Oshodi added.
The current batch of nominations, totaling 32, has been submitted to the Senate for confirmation, following an earlier set of three.
The list includes prominent 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.
