Yemi Obafemi
A former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joe Keshi, has condemned President Bola Tinubu’s latest ambassadorial nominees, warning that several individuals on the list lack integrity and were unfit to represent Nigeria abroad.
Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Keshi said that while a few of the nominees were qualified, the majority especially the non-career diplomats raised serious concerns.
“I’m comfortable with some names on the list, but the truth of the matter is that the bulk of the people on the non-career list is a bit disturbing. Are these the kind of people we want to represent Nigeria?” he asked.
Keshi argued that some of the nominees lacked the integrity and leadership required for such sensitive roles. According to him, several individuals on the list should be facing accountability instead of receiving national appointments.
“You have people who, if justice had prevailed and if this country had been run properly, actually should be cooling their heels in the walls of the prison and not being sent out as ambassadors,” he said.
He further criticised the inclusion of former governors whom he described as “absolute failures,” noting that their successors are still working to fix the damage they allegedly left behind.
“Those are the kind of people being rewarded, either because they have helped you to destroy other political parties, and the rest of it,” Keshi added.
