Controversy Erupts as Tinubu’s Ambassadorial List Marginalizes Career Diplomats: Political Heavyweights Dominate Nominations
Outrage Grows Over Alleged Violation of Diplomatic Protocols in New Ambassadorial Selections
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s latest ambassadorial nomination list has ignited a wave of backlash across Nigeria’s foreign service community, with accusations that the administration is dismantling decades of diplomatic tradition by replacing seasoned career diplomats with political loyalists and high-profile appointees.
According to credible diplomatic sources, the Federal Government has deviated from the well-established 70/30 formula traditionally used to balance ambassadorial appointments. That formula reserves 70% of the posts for career diplomats—individuals with years of experience and institutional knowledge—while the remaining 30% is allocated to political appointees. However, sources now say this ratio is being reversed in favor of political considerations, stirring widespread discontent in diplomatic circles.
Tinubu’s Envoy List: Political Figures Take Center Stage
Prominent names currently undergoing security clearance for diplomatic postings include former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), ex-Senator Shehu Sani, former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and controversial political commentator Reno Omokri. Others reported to be on the list include Ita Enang, a former presidential adviser.
This political-heavy list has been described by critics as a “blatant politicization” of a critical arm of Nigeria’s global diplomacy. Though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to release an official list or confirm the total composition of nominees, insiders say career diplomats are being increasingly pushed aside in favor of political appointees with little to no diplomatic background.
Diplomatic Community Raises Alarm
“This is not just about the number of appointments—it’s about credibility and global representation,” said a senior diplomat who spoke to The Sun under the condition of anonymity. “You cannot sideline trained diplomats who have spent decades preparing for these roles and expect Nigeria to be taken seriously on the world stage.”
The diplomat added: “We fear that political patronage is overtaking merit. It’s jobs for the boys, and unfortunately, our global standing may suffer as a result.”
While some political appointees may possess the charisma and connections to represent the country abroad, critics argue that diplomacy is a specialized field that requires more than just political experience. It demands cultural sensitivity, deep understanding of international law, geopolitical strategy, and nuanced negotiation skills—traits career diplomats have spent years cultivating.
Eroding Institutional Protocols
Traditionally, Nigeria’s foreign service prides itself on producing ambassadors who rise through the ranks based on years of service, training, and professional achievements. This ensures a consistent, knowledgeable, and respected representation abroad.
The current shift, however, has fueled concerns that the government is using ambassadorial postings as political compensation for allies and former officeholders who supported Tinubu’s campaign or defended his policies in the media.
“This is a serious deviation from established diplomatic norms,” said Dr. Bola Afolayan, a professor of international relations at the University of Abuja. “If this trend continues, we risk turning embassies into political battlegrounds and damaging our bilateral relationships.”
Political Response and National Assembly Review
While the full list has not been made public, sources confirm that the names will be submitted to President Tinubu for final approval before being transmitted to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation. It remains to be seen whether lawmakers will push back on the imbalance or approve the list in its current state.
Political analysts suggest that Tinubu may be using the ambassadorial list to consolidate political loyalty ahead of future elections. Others believe it’s an attempt to neutralize potential opposition figures by offering them lucrative foreign postings.
What This Means for Nigeria
Beyond the internal squabbles, the implications of this decision could ripple across Nigeria’s diplomatic missions. Experts fear that replacing skilled diplomats with politically appointed individuals may lead to miscommunication, policy missteps, and weakened diplomatic ties—especially in key foreign missions.
“The world is watching. Our envoys are our voice abroad,” said Ambassador Amina Musa, a retired diplomat. “If these voices are not trained or experienced, then Nigeria’s image and interests could suffer. We cannot afford that at this critical time.”
Conclusion
President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nomination list has sparked intense debate and concern among Nigeria’s foreign service professionals, civil society, and political observers. With seasoned diplomats being pushed aside for politically connected individuals, critics warn of potential long-term damage to Nigeria’s international credibility and diplomatic effectiveness.
As the list heads to the National Assembly, all eyes will be on lawmakers to see if they uphold the sanctity of the foreign service or simply rubber-stamp a move many see as a clear departure from merit-based appointments.
