By Eshioromeh Sebastian, Abuja
President Bola Tinubu is finalising a list of ambassadorial nominees that includes prominent opposition figures and former state governors, signaling a potential shift toward more inclusive political appointments.
Highly placed sources confirm the list, expected to be unveiled this week, features several surprising inclusions that cross traditional party lines.
Report by Vanguard listed two former Peoples Democratic Party governors – Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State – have reportedly completed mandatory security screenings and are being considered for strategic diplomatic postings. The nominations, if confirmed, would represent a significant gesture of political realignment by the administration.
According to the report, the Department of State Services has completed vetting procedures for several high profile nominees, including Shehu Sani, the former senator who recently returned the ruling All Progressives Congress after years as a vocal opposition figure. Also on the list is Reno Omokri, a former presidential aide and political commentator known for his criticism of the current administration.
Sources indicate the nominations include allies of former Rivers State Governor Nyesom Wike, whose faction of the PDP has maintained working relations with the Tinubu government.
The list reportedly balances political considerations with diplomatic needs, featuring former Lagos Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro and ex-Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode among those cleared for foreign postings.
The impending announcement comes twenty months after President Tinubu’s controversial recall of all serving ambassadors in September 2023, which left many of Nigeria’s 98 foreign missions without permanent representation.
Nigeria’s Foreign Affairs Minister Yusuf Tuggar had previously attributed the delay in replacements to budgetary constraints and the need for careful selection.
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