In a flurry of political maneuvering, Chief of Staff Femi Gbajabiamila, a close associate of President Bola Tinubu, finds himself under increasing pressure.
Governors, retired military officers, and other influential figures are fervently submitting names of loyalists for coveted ambassadorial appointments, creating a fervent atmosphere in Nigeria’s political circles.
Reports from Punch indicate that the Foreign Affairs Minister, Yusuf Tuggar, and the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Ambassador Olusola Enikanolaiye, are grappling with mounting pressure from various quarters seeking these prestigious positions.
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Notably, individuals who fell short of securing ministerial nominations are now at the forefront of the race for ambassadorial roles.
The Chief of Staff to President Bola Tinubu, Femi Gbajabiamila, is under pressure as Governors, and retired military officers submit loyalist names for ambassadorial appointments.
An anonymous official revealed that the lobbying efforts are multifaceted, involving President’s associates, state governors, National Assembly members, APC support groups, and party chieftains.
The focus is on promoting candidates with longer career years ahead, sidelining those with imminent retirements.
The battle for ambassadorial slots extends beyond the political arena, with past administrators, politicians, retired military personnel, unsuccessful governorship aspirants, and former heads of agencies under President Buhari actively vying for positions.
As the speculation swirls around the ratio of career to non-career diplomats to be appointed, a source suggests a split of 55 percent to 45 percent, adding layer of complexity to the selection process.
Meanwhile, a significant number of recalled ambassadors have returned to the country, while those still abroad have duly handed over responsibilities to their diplomatic counterparts as they prepare to heed the directive to return home.
In the intricate dance of political ambition, bigwigs within the APC and former governors have begun submitting their curriculum vitae, eager to influence the selection process. Simultaneously, former ambassadors are making their bid for reinstatement, adding an element of unpredictability to the final list.
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The source within the Presidency emphasized the confidentiality surrounding the shortlisting process, stating that party leaders and stakeholders are actively pushing their interests.
Even former ambassadors are lobbying for reinstatement, underscoring the fluid nature of diplomatic appointments until the official list is released.
