by Nigerian News24 Correspondents
President Bola Tinubu has submitted the names of three non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
The nominees are:
- Kayode Aare (Ogun State)
- Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa State)
- Ayodele Oke (Oyo State)
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read Tinubu’s letter during Tuesday’s plenary and directed the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to screen the nominees and report back within one week.
This is the first batch of ambassadorial nominations Tinubu has sent to the Senate since assuming office on May 29, 2023.
Debate Over Delayed Ambassadorial Appointments
The submission comes after months of public pressure on the President to fill vacant ambassadorial and high commissioner positions. Former Minister of External Affairs Bolaji Akinyemi had recently emphasized the need for personal diplomatic representation despite the ease of accessing information online.
“Diplomacy runs on ambassadorial contact,” Akinyemi said during a television interview, urging the government to complete the appointments.
The Federal Government has previously acknowledged that several Nigerian missions abroad are struggling with financial and operational difficulties, including unpaid salaries and outstanding debts.
In June, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected criticisms over delayed appointments, arguing that Nigeria remains effectively represented through experienced chargé d’affaires and senior foreign service officers.
“The appointment of ambassadors is a sovereign function and not something to be rushed for political convenience,” the ministry said through Alkasim Abdulkadir, spokesperson to the Foreign Affairs Minister.
It added that President Tinubu is committed to reforming the foreign service to ensure that future postings are based on merit, competence, and national interest rather than political patronage.
Tinubu had earlier recalled all Nigerian ambassadors in September 2023, including the High Commissioner to the UK, Sarafa Tunji Ishola, who was appointed in 2021 by former President Muhammadu Buhari.