The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), has condemned the ambassadorial nominees list submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to the Senate, branding the selections as reprehensible and scandalous.
Naijaonpoint had first disclosed that the list of 32 ambassadorial nominees, transmitted on Saturday, featured high-profile political, media, and former public office holders nominated as career and non-career ambassadors.
Among the nominees are former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode; former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and several others.
In a statement issued on Saturday and signed by the PDP National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the party accused the administration of endorsing a “reprehensible reward system” that undermines Nigeria’s diplomatic efforts.
The PDP stated that the list was populated by individuals allegedly viewed negatively by both Nigerians and the international community, citing integrity concerns and anti-democratic reputations.
The statement reads, “While most Nigerians are seriously appalled by the inclusion of most of the nominees, they are not totally surprised, given the history and disposition of this administration.
“Furthermore, it is an incontestable fact that a nominee is a clear and direct reflection of the values and estimation of the nominator.
“By making these nominations, the President has shown Nigerians that these are the best people he has to represent our country in the countries where they will be posted.”
The PDP specifically criticised the nomination of the immediate past INEC Chairman.
PDP further stated, “To offer him an ambassadorial appointment at a time like this is an excellent exemplar of a skewed reward system, which we suspect is designed as an incentive to the new INEC Chairman, to also deliver flawed elections in 2027, in expectation of future rewards.
“This is absolutely scandalous and completely unacceptable.”
Party Demands Immediate Withdrawal
The PDP urged President Tinubu to drop the entire list and renominate persons with stronger democratic credibility.
“Appointing and sending ambassadors with tainted political profiles is not only a great disservice to Nigeria but a setup for a diplomatic all-time low,” the PDP warned.
The party added that the respect a country commands internationally is tied to the integrity of its ambassadors and leadership.
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