Tinubu’s Ambassadorial appointment list “reprehensible, scandalous” – PDP blows hot

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has strongly criticised the new list of ambassadorial nominees submitted to the Senate by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, describing the selections as “reprehensible, scandalous, and a disservice to Nigeria.”

President Tinubu had earlier forwarded 32 names to the Senate for screening and confirmation, coming days after the submission of an initial batch of three nominees.

The new list features several prominent figures, including former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; former presidential aide, Reno Omokri; former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode; and former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its National Publicity Secretary, Ini Ememobong, the PDP alleged that many of the nominees have “integrity deficits” and are perceived negatively by Nigerians and the international community due to their “anti-democratic activities.”

The party argued that the composition of the list reflects poorly on the character and values of the administration.

“While Nigerians are appalled by the inclusion of most of the nominees, they are not entirely surprised, given the history and disposition of this government,” the statement read.

The PDP expressed particular outrage over the nomination of the immediate past INEC Chairman, Prof. Yakubu.

“To offer him an ambassadorial appointment at a time like this is a troubling signal of a skewed reward system, one that appears to incentivise flawed elections.”

“We consider this absolutely scandalous and unacceptable,” the party stated.

The opposition party urged President Tinubu to immediately withdraw the current list and replace it with individuals “with impeccable democratic credentials and unquestionable moral standing, capable of restoring global confidence in Nigeria’s diplomatic representation.”

According to the PDP, sending individuals with “tainted political profiles” to represent the country abroad risks eroding Nigeria’s international reputation at a time when global diplomacy demands integrity, competence, and credibility.

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