Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has criticised President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s newly submitted ambassadorial list.
Gatekeepers News reports that the president forwarded 32 additional names to the Senate on Saturday, following an earlier submission of three nominees.
Among those listed are Mahmood Yakubu, former chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC); Reno Omokri, former presidential aide; Femi Fani-Kayode, former aviation minister; and former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others.
In a statement by Ini Ememobong, the party’s national publicity secretary, the PDP questioned the suitability of several nominees, alleging that some have histories of anti-democratic conduct.
Ememobong also argued that the president’s delay in presenting the list speaks to the paucity of excellent people around him.
The statement reads. “While most Nigerians are seriously appalled by the inclusion of most of the nominees, they are not totally surprised, given the history and disposition of this administration.”
“Furthermore, it is an incontestable fact that a nominee is a clear and direct reflection of the values and estimation of the nominator.”
“By making these nominations, the President has shown Nigerians that these are the best people he has to represent our country in the countries where they will be posted.”
PDP described the nominations as detrimental to Nigeria’s international image and strongly criticised the offer extended to Yakubu, the immediate past INEC chairman.
It said, “To offer him an ambassadorial appointment at a time like this is an excellent exemplar of a skewed reward system, which we suspect is designed as an incentive to the new INEC Chairman, to also deliver flawed elections in 2027, in expectation of future rewards.”
“This is absolutely scandalous and completely unacceptable.”
The opposition party urged the president to withdraw the list and present candidates with stellar democratic credentials and high moral standing capable of earning global respect.
According to PDP, appointing and sending ambassadors with tainted political profiles is not only a great disservice to Nigeria but a setup for a diplomatic all-time low.
