Former Foreign Affairs permanent secretary claims senior career officers were unfairly excluded and questions the character of several nominees.
Former permanent secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joe Keshi, has criticized President Bola Tinubu’s recent ambassadorial nominees, describing some as “unsuitable” to represent Nigeria abroad.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief, Keshi said, “I’m comfortable with some names on the list, but the bulk of the non-career nominees is disturbing. Some of these people, if justice prevailed, should be cooling their heels in prison, not serving as ambassadors.”
He also expressed concern that senior career officers in the ministry were overlooked, leaving them frustrated and demoralized.
Keshi appealed to President Tinubu to prioritize trained Foreign Affairs officers in future ambassadorial appointments. “These officers have gone through years of rigorous preparation and training. Excluding them is disheartening for the service and Nigeria’s diplomatic standards,” he said.
He added that Nigeria needs competent and independent diplomats, capable of competing on the global stage, rather than politically motivated nominees.
The ambassadorial list released by President Tinubu last Saturday includes 32 names, featuring former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, ex-governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri.
The list has sparked debate nationwide, with critics questioning the timing, selection, and integrity of the nominees.
