A senior aide to President Bola Tinubu has strongly defended the administration’s recent ambassadorial nominations, asserting that the selections represent the President’s prerogative and align with international diplomatic standards.
Ademola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, made the remarks during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief on Monday, amid public debate over the qualifications of some nominees.
Oshodi argued that appointing trusted political allies to diplomatic positions is common practice among world leaders, citing examples from the United States and United Kingdom.
“Whether it’s Donald Trump sending his friends as ambassadors, or the British government posting Peter Mandelson to Washington despite controversies, it is the nature of the business,” he stated.
The presidential aide clarified that while character matters, the ultimate decision rests solely with the head of state.
“I’m not saying we should send people of bad character abroad, but it has to be the discretion and political decision of the president or head of state,” Oshodi explained.
He further challenged critics to respect the democratic process that brought President Tinubu to power, suggesting that questioning the appointments amounts to challenging the electoral mandate.
“We voted for a president, and we voted for him to make his decisions. This is the best the President has chosen, and it is the best for the interests and success of his administration,” he said.
Oshodi maintained that evaluating whether nominees are “the best” choices is inherently subjective, adding that their performance in office will ultimately vindicate the President’s judgment.
“Your judgement of what is best is different from mine. He sends his people out to represent his government – whether for economic, security or cultural needs,” he noted.
The administration has submitted 32 names to the Senate for confirmation as non-career ambassadors, adding to an earlier batch of three nominees.
The list includes high-profile political figures such as Professor Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission; political commentator Reno Omokri; former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode; and ex-Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
The nominations have generated considerable public discussion, with some Nigerians questioning whether certain individuals possess the diplomatic credentials necessary for ambassadorial roles.
However, the Presidency appears resolute in its choices, emphasizing that ambassadors serve at the pleasure of the appointing authority and must advance the administration’s foreign policy objectives.
The Senate is expected to conduct screening sessions for the nominees in the coming weeks before voting on their confirmation.
