President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is reportedly set to appoint prominent political figures, including former Governor of Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, a former Federal lawmaker/former NLC Deputy President, Hon. Joseph Akinlaja, former aviation minister, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode as Ambassadors.
Others are, Reno Omokri, Shehu Sani, financial expert, Fola Adeola, veteran journalist Bayo Onanuga, and Fuhad Oki etc.
Getting wind of this news has triggered widespread jubilation amongst the youths in Ondo State who are already saying Mimiko and Akinlaja’s consideration for such high profile position will help to enhance President Tinubu’s diplomatic vision and in building stronger economic partnerships between countries who are longstanding allies of Nigeria, as well as driving significant reforms envisioned by the current administration’s renewed hope agenda.
It is recalled that Mimiko served for two consecutive terms of 4 years from 2009 to 2017, whilst his associate, Joseph Akinlaja served for two-term of four years from 2011 to 2019 at the House of Representatives to represent the people of Ondo East and West Federal Constituency.
Both men are members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).
While the presidency is yet to confirm the appointments, the potential selection of these distinguished Nigerians, each known for their strong political stances and public engagements has generated positive reactions in the polity.
Veracity Desk [veracitydesk.com] gathered there are indications that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is set to transmit names of ambassadors-designate to the Senate for screening and confirmation of nominees who will serve as Nigeria’s ambassadors and high commissioners to various countries and multilateral organisations.
Government officials with knowledge of the developments said the names of nominees would be transmitted in early December, 2024.
It is recalled that upon assuming office in May 2023, President Tinubu reassessed Nigeria’s foreign policy, leading to the recall of the 83 career and non-career ambassadors from their stations in September 2023.
The envoys were instructed to return to Nigeria by October 31, 2023.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, said the ambassadors served at the President’s behest in their host nations and it was his “prerogative to send or recall them from any country.”
However, almost 15 months after, they were yet to be replaced, leaving a diplomatic void.
Section 171(2)(1c) and Subsection 4 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) stipulate that appointments to the office of ambassador, high commissioner or other principal representatives of Nigeria abroad be made by the President and shall not have effect unless the Senate confirms it.
Nigeria currently has 109 missions globally, comprising 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 consulates and there are strong indications that the president has redoubled his commitment to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic ties globally,
Recently the President left Abuja for a three-day state visit to France at the invitation of President Emmanuel Macron.
Afterwards, he proceeded to South Africa for a state visit, his second appearance in the country after attending President Cyril Ramaphosa’s inauguration ceremony last June.
