By Comfort Asemota
Former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Joe Keshi, has criticised the ambassadorial list submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate for confirmation. He questioned the integrity and competence of several nominees, saying some should have no place in Nigeria’s diplomatic service.
President Tinubu had released a list of 32 nominees last Saturday to serve as ambassadors in Nigeria’s foreign missions. The list includes former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu; former governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu) and Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia); former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode; and former presidential aide Reno Omokri. The President had earlier forwarded the names of Oke, Amin Dalhatu and retired Colonel Lateef Are to the Senate.
Keshi: Some Nominees Should Be in Prison, Not Diplomacy
Speaking during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme, Keshi expressed strong reservations about the non-career nominees.
He said:
“I’m comfortable with some names on the list, but the truth is that the bulk of the non-career nominees is disturbing. Are these the kind of people we want to represent Nigeria?”
Keshi argued that some individuals on the list lack the moral credibility and performance record expected of diplomats:
“You have people who, if justice had prevailed and if this country had been run properly, should be cooling their heels in prison and not being sent out as ambassadors.”
He added that some former governors on the list performed poorly in office:
“They were absolute failures. They showed no leadership, and their successors are still trying to repair the damage they did to their states.”
According to him, such individuals appear to be rewarded not for competence but for political loyalty.
Foreign Affairs Officials ‘Bitter’ About Exclusion
Keshi revealed that many senior officials in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are upset over their exclusion from the ambassadorial list. He argued that career diplomats, who have undergone years of training, are being sidelined for political appointees.
He emphasized:
“These officers are demoralised. They’ve prepared themselves through training, and where they are supposed to be appointed, you’re now saying they’re not qualified. They are very bitter.”
Nigeria Needs Competent, Independent Diplomats
Highlighting how Nigeria’s diplomatic service was structured in the 1960s, Keshi said the founding leaders envisioned a highly competent and independent foreign service composed of well-trained officers who could compete globally. He lamented that political interference has eroded that standard.
Calls on President Tinubu to Correct the List
Keshi appealed to President Tinubu to ensure that any forthcoming list of nominees includes qualified officials from the ministry:
“I hear there’s another list coming. I beg the President to ensure it contains no other names but people from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.”
He insisted that rebuilding morale and professionalism in the foreign service is crucial for Nigeria’s global representation.
