Tinubu’s Envoy List Reflects Sound Judgement, Says Aide

 

The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has defended the President’s latest ambassadorial nominations, saying the list reflects the administration’s strategic judgement and what it considers best for the country.

Oshodi, who spoke on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, said political appointments into diplomatic roles remain a standard global practice. According to him, presidents and prime ministers around the world often rely on trusted allies or long-term associates to represent national interests abroad.

Citing international parallels, he said: “Whether it’s Donald Trump sending friends as ambassadors or the British government posting Peter Mandelson to Washington despite controversies, it is the nature of diplomacy. I’m not saying individuals of questionable character should be sent abroad, but the President has the prerogative to choose.”

President Tinubu, on Saturday, forwarded a fresh list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening, days after submitting an initial batch of three names.

Among those nominated are former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; former presidential aide Reno Omokri; ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The list also features four female career diplomats and six female non-career nominees.

Special Adviser to the President on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said specific postings will be announced after Senate confirmation.

Oshodi urged Nigerians to respect the President’s choices, saying those criticising the list misunderstand the electoral mandate.

“We voted for a President to make decisions. This is who he has chosen, and he believes they are the best for the success of his administration,” he said.

He added that competence assessments remain subjective, noting that the ambassadors’ performance will ultimately justify the President’s judgement.

“Your idea of what is best may differ from mine. The President sends people out to represent his government—whether for economic, security or cultural priorities,” he said.