President Bola Tinubu has nominated several well-known politicians for ambassadorial appointments.
Conspicuous names include former Abia Governor Okezie Ikpeazu and former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The two ex-governors were members of the G5 Governors that together with the Minister of the FCT, Nyesom Wike, opposed their party, PDP, in the 2023 election.
Other nominations include ex-Senator Shehu Sani, Femi Fani-Kayode and activist Reno Omokri – who before pivoting to support the administration campaigned against the president as being part of a illicit drug cartel.
Security checks by the Department of State Services (DSS) on the nominees are reportedly underway, according to an online media which broke the news.
“They are already doing security checks with the Department of State Service, DSS,” the source said. “Only those who have been cleared are announced. The process is ongoing.”
The official, who didn’t want to be named, also said, “I know we should have a list before the end of this month.”
While the countries of posting is unclear, ambassadorial nominees all pass DSS checks before being officially announced.
Nigeria has not had active ambassadors in several countries for nearly a year. In 2023, the federal government recalled all its ambassadors from around the world. No replacements were named.
That created gaps in Nigeria’s global diplomacy. Many embassies have only been able to carry out basic services. Diplomatic engagement with other countries has slowed down. In some places, it’s been managed only by low-ranking officials.
Who Are the Nominees?
Okezie Ikpeazu served as Abia State governor from 2015 to 2023 under the PDP.
Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, also a PDP member, was governor of Enugu State for the same period.
Reno Omokri was a media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan and is known for his political commentary on social media.
Senator Shehu Sani, a former lawmaker and rights activist, represented Kaduna Central in the 8th Senate.
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