Table of Contents
- Criticism of Ambassadorial List
- Interview Insights
- Historical Context of Nigeria's Diplomatic Service
A former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joe Keshi, has expressed his disapproval of the ambassadorial list that President Bola Tinubu submitted to the Senate for confirmation.
According to DAILY POST, President Tinubu released a second list of ambassadorial nominees over the weekend.
In an interview on Monday during The Morning Brief, a program on Channels Television, Keshi raised concerns about the qualifications of some nominees, arguing that they are unfit for the diplomatic service by any standard.
“I am satisfied with some names on the list; however, the majority of individuals on the non-career list is somewhat alarming. Are these the representatives we want for Nigeria?”
“There are individuals who, had justice been served and if this nation were properly managed with the rules being followed, should actually be behind bars rather than being appointed as ambassadors.”
“Some have governed their states poorly. They demonstrated a lack of leadership during their tenure, and the governors who succeeded them are now struggling to mend the damage they caused.”
“These are the individuals being rewarded, possibly because they have assisted in undermining other political parties, among other reasons,” he remarked.
He emphasized that Nigeria should appoint its most capable individuals as ambassadors.
“Historically, since the 1960s, when the diplomatic service was established, the founders, particularly the Prime Minister, had a clear vision for the kind of diplomatic service they wanted for Nigeria.”
“They aimed for a highly competent foreign service. They sought an independent foreign service with well-trained officers who could compete effectively with their international counterparts.”
“The first generation of recruits into the foreign service met these criteria for a long time until political interference began to alter its course,” he concluded.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Joe Keshi's main concerns about the ambassadorial nominees?
Joe Keshi is concerned that many nominees lack the qualifications for the diplomatic service and that some have a history of failure in leadership positions.
What is the historical context of Nigeria's diplomatic service according to Joe Keshi?
Keshi highlights that the diplomatic service was established with a vision for competence and independence, aiming for officers to be well-trained and competitive globally.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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