Labour Party presidential candidate Peter Obi has expressed strong concern over President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s new set of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate, describing several names on the list as “shocking.”
In a statement released on X (formerly Twitter) on Monday, the former Anambra governor questioned the suitability of some nominees to represent Nigeria globally, linking the list to a broader failing of the current administration.
Criticism of Nominees and Leadership
Obi argued that the list reflects the administration’s “growing tolerance for mediocrity, corruption and impunity.”
“Some of the names being paraded to represent us as ambassadors globally are shocking. But with a leadership that has allowed mediocrity, corruption, and impunity to rise to the top, who else did you expect them to choose?” he wrote.
Obi also lamented the state of the nation, accusing the political class of focusing on celebrations and self-interest while Nigerians face severe insecurity and economic hardship:
“When our people are being killed, our leaders are busy hosting dinners. When children are being snatched from their schools, the political class is celebrating and dancing,” he said.
He further criticized the First Lady for hosting extravagant dinners for senators while families nationwide are battling insecurity.
“This is not governance. This is not leadership. And this is certainly not the Nigeria we deserve,” he added.
The list of 32 nominees, submitted on November 29, includes controversial figures such as Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, alongside former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.