‘Ambassadorial appointments should comply with constitution’
The Northern Progressive Forum has urged the Federal Government to ensure that ambassadorial appointments comply with constitutional provisions. It expressed hope that further nominations expected in the coming weeks would
The Northern Progressive Forum has urged the Federal Government to ensure that ambassadorial appointments comply with constitutional provisions.
It expressed hope that further nominations expected in the coming weeks would reflect a more balanced spread in line with constitutional provisions on federal character.
It faulted the latest ambassadorial postings, alleging that the Northeast geopolitical zone was shortchanged in the distribution of diplomatic assignments.
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Chairman of the group, Alhaji Hassan Mustapha, in a statement, said the imbalance undermines the principle of federal character and risks further marginalising states in the region already grappling with developmental challenges.
The Tinubu Administration recently announced 65 nominees for Nigeria’s 108 embassies and high commissions, ending a three-year vacuum in the country’s diplomatic missions.
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The statement raised concerns over the yet-to-be-filled ambassadorial slots, noting that previous administrations made more extensive diplomatic appointments.
It recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed 95 ambassadors, while Goodluck Jonathan named 93 envoys during his tenure. Similarly, the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo had over 88 ambassadors.
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According to the Forum, the current figures have intensified concerns about regional disparities, particularly in the Northeast, in Taraba and Yobe states.
It referenced repeated warnings by Senator Ali Ndume, who has consistently decried what he described as a widening gap in federal appointments.
Ndume had specifically pointed out that Yobe State lacks adequate representation, while states such as Taraba have fewer nominees compared to other regions.
“We urge the Federal Government to urgently address these imbalances in subsequent announcements to ensure that all regions, particularly the Northeast, are fairly represented,” Mustapha stated.
