Demola Oshodi, the Senior Special Assistant (Protocol) to President Bola Tinubu, has outlined some reasons why figures such as former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mahmood Yakubu; former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode; and a former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, were named in the recently published ambassadorial list.
President Tinubu last week forwarded a list of ambassadorial nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.
Names such as Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri, and Yakubu on the list have generated significant reactions from Nigerians. Many feel that personalities like Fani-Kayode and Omokri may not be suitable for such appointments.
But speaking on Arise News – The Morning Show, Oshodi said that in any appointment, there are always people who oppose and others who support such moves. He noted that what matters is maintaining balance in the appointments, adding that Nigerians should understand the President’s considerations for what would make his administration successful.
“We voted for him. We give him the right to choose his executives, so we have to trust his judgment,” he said.
When asked about the controversies surrounding the nominations of Yakubu, Omokri, and Fani-Kayode, and how they are strategic to aiding Nigeria’s foreign policy direction between now and 2027, Oshodi added:
“We can look at the professor’s years of career. He’s been in charge of Nigeria’s electoral body for many years. He helped conduct the 2019 and 2023 elections, and I think it’s generally considered a good job.
“So these non-career diplomats are political. Their first priority is loyalty. They have been loyal to the administration and understand its vision.”
Asked how Yakubu had demonstrated his loyalty to the administration, and whether it was through his conduct in the last election, Oshodi clarified:
“No, it’s the criteria of national service. I’m just giving you different reasons why the President made his judgment. There’s also ethnic and state balance.
“He needs to ensure there’s a general federal character. I don’t know specifically the President’s judgment on the professor, but I can tell you for a fact that his national service has been exemplary. That is why he has been rewarded with this high office. Of course, as you said, his loyalty to the President is based on all four criteria.
“I said specifically, we don’t know exactly what the President decided on. It could be national service, because you can say he served this country for a long period in a commendable way.
“So you can’t just focus on loyalty and say that is the reason. I gave three reasons why he’s there, apart from his competence in this field.”
On Fani-Kayode, he added: “It’s not really that simple. The President’s reason for appointing diplomats, especially ambassadors and high commissioners, is based on how he assesses their competence and capacity.
“Some countries and situations require certain skills and attributes, and I want to believe the President’s judgment is based on that. There are reasons why these people are appointed.
“Mr. Fani-Kayode has served this country in many capacities. Being divisive does not eliminate him from serving further.
“Everyone’s personal life is personal. The President’s decision is based on national service and, in many ways, a balance of competence.”
By John Owen Nwachukwu
