Presidency Justifies Buhari’s 20-Month Delay in Appointing Ambassadors
The Presidency has responded to criticisms regarding President Bola Tinubu’s delay in appointing ambassadors, explaining that the process is underway and that preparations are being made for the appointments. Ademola Oshodi, the Senior Special Adviser on Foreign Affairs and Protocol to the President addressed the issue during a recent appearance on Channels Television’s 2024 Year-In-Review program.
Oshodi emphasized that the delay in appointing ambassadors is not unusual, pointing out that the previous administration also took 20 months to finalize ambassadorial appointments. He stated that while critics have raised concerns, the current administration is focused on ensuring that everything is in place before the new ambassadors are sent to their respective countries.
The delay in appointing ambassadors comes after President Tinubu recalled all Nigerian ambassadors from over 100 embassies and high commissions abroad in September, just three months after his inauguration. Despite this, the President has yet to submit a list of new ambassadors for Senate approval.
Oshodi clarified that while the process may seem slow, the government is ensuring that the necessary preparations are made to support the ambassadors and their families, including addressing the condition of foreign missions. He explained that the country has sent chargé d’affaires and consul generals to handle foreign relations in the interim, as part of a prelude to the ambassadors’ arrival.
“The foreign missions are not in dire straits,” Oshodi assured, noting that President Tinubu inherited missions that were in poor condition. He emphasized that the government is improving these missions and preparing them for the new ambassadors.
Oshodi’s comments reflect the administration’s commitment to ensuring that Nigeria’s foreign relations are properly managed, despite the delay in the formal appointment of ambassadors. He reiterated that the President and his team are focused on getting things right before sending new envoys abroad.
