The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has robustly defended the President’s latest ambassadorial nominations.
He asserted that the choices reflect the President’s best judgment for both his administration and Nigeria.
Speaking during a Monday appearance on Channels Television’s Morning Brief, Oshodi argued that political appointments to diplomatic roles are standard global practice.
He pointed out that presidents and prime ministers worldwide frequently nominate individuals who are trusted allies or share long-standing relationships.
“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.
“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,” he said.
Oshodi emphasized that Nigerians must respect the President’s prerogative, suggesting that those questioning the quality of the nominees misunderstand the electoral mandate.
He maintained that his principal alone holds the authority to decide what is best for the country’s governance.
He said, “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.”
The presidential aide further stated that assessments of whether the nominees are “the best” are subjective, noting that the eventual performance of the ambassadors will ultimately justify the President’s choices.
“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 said.
The current list comprises 32 names submitted to the Senate for confirmation, following an earlier batch of three.
Notable figures on the list include former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof Mahmood Yakubu; former presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, among others.
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