A former Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on Political Matters, Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, has asked the National Assembly to thoroughly vet the latest ambassadorial nominees, citing background concerns around integrity and legal records.
The political commentator, speaking on Sunday during an interview on the Sunday Politics programme of Channels Television, said national interest must trump politics, regionalism and ethnicity.
He said, “A very sensitive point I want to make without necessarily maligning anybody. There are a few of these nominees that require more rigorous scrutiny in terms of their background, integrity, and records.
“I hope the President [Bola Tinubu], having nominated them, will now allow the National Assembly to do what it is supposed to do and do it well. They should scrutinise these individuals thoroughly.
“A very sensitive point I want to make without necessarily maligning anybody. There are a few of these nominees that require more rigorous scrutiny in terms of their background, integrity, and records.”
He stressed the importance of prioritising personal integrity above politics, regionalism, or ethnicity.
Baba-Ahmed further stated, “I think a few of those names need thorough scrutiny. Allegations exist against some, which have not been disproved, and some have been in court.
“This scrutiny will serve the national interest. It will also do justice to President Bola Tinubu’s campaign against corruption and benefit the missions these individuals are being sent to.”
Speaking on the President releasing the list years after taking over power, Baba-Ahmed said, “Rather disappointingly, I am not going to cheer President Tinubu. It is very late. Outgoing ambassadors will serve for maybe less than a year and a half.
“The ambassadors serve a term, are recalled, and sent back. We have raised the issue of appointment many times before, but the President did not see fit to act. My opinion is that this should have come a long time ago.”
Baba-Ahmed resigned from the presidency in April 2025, citing personal reasons and dissatisfaction with the handling of pressing national issues.
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