This week, the President submitted sixty-eight diplomatic nominees to the Senate. On paper, it is a balanced mix: thirty-four career diplomats and thirty-one “non-career” picks spread across all states and the FCT. The official story is that this is a long-overdue overhaul of Nigeria’s foreign missions, vacant since the 2023 elections.
But on a closer look, it seems more like an auction of luxury postings. Former governors, retired officers, loud online personalities, and political leftovers are suddenly lining up for London, New York, Dubai, and every other coveted embassy seat. Is this patriotism or premium-grade patronage? You already know the answer.
Among the non-career picks are Reno Omokri, Twitter warrior turned Tinubu cheerleader; Femi Fani-Kayode, the ex-aviation minister with a rap sheet of controversies longer than a Lagos traffic jam; Mahmood Yakubu, ex-INEC chair whose election oversight still has folks crying foul; Victor Ikpeazu, ex-Abia governor; and Abdulrahman Dambazau, retired army chief turned politician. In addition, Chioma Ohakim, ex-Imo first lady, and Ita Enang, a former senator.
Critics are already howling, and with good reason. One Nigerian tabloid dismissed the list as “piteous,” wondering why the nation’s global image is being handed to political loyalists instead of seasoned diplomats who can negotiate trade, attract foreign investment, or galvanise international backing against Boko Haram. What we are seeing is a textbook case of reward for the inner circle, a pre-2027 carrot dangled for alliances, packaged as governance, and funded conveniently by the Nigerian taxpayer.
Where’s the merit? The rigorous vetting? The diplomatic chops needed to fix our battered image abroad: think visa bans, drug trafficking stigma, or the endless insecurity headlines that make investors flee? This is not anything new under the Tinubu administration. Appointments have been doled out like confetti, from this bloated cabinet to recycled aides. But diplomacy? That’s sacred ground. Our ambassadors are the frontline in a world where China woos Africa with billions, the US grills us on human rights, and the EU eyes our oil amid green energy shifts. Sending a Twitter troll to represent us? That’s not strategy; that’s sabotage. Imagine Fani-Kayode negotiating with the UN on climate funds, with his infamous rants, which could undo years of goodwill.
The Senate needs to rise for once. With screening beginning this week, the legislature, under the leadership of Godswill Akpabio, must not simply rubber-stamp this list. Grill the nominees: What have they achieved? Are there any allegations of corruption against them? How do they think remittances can be increased or terrorism financing curbed? Kick out the deadwoods; insist that merit-based appointments be made. Nigerians need diplomats who represent us, not freeloaders cashing in.
The apologists for Tinubu will howl “federal character” or “experience.” But this giveaway speaks to the rot: a government more anxious to compensate its allies than to rebuild a nation on its knees. Our diplomacy is being auctioned off. Mr President, if this is your “renewed hope,” we’re hoping for a refund.
