The Senior Special Assistant to President Bola Tinubu on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, has defended the President’s latest ambassadorial nominations, stating that the appointments fall within the constitutional powers and discretion of the President.
Oshodi made the assertion on Monday during an interview on Channels Television’s Morning Brief programme.
According to him, the nomination of political allies and trusted associates as ambassadors is a global practice adopted by presidents and prime ministers around the world.
He noted that world leaders often appoint individuals they trust to represent national interests abroad.
“Whether it is Donald Trump sending his friends as ambassadors, or the British government posting Peter Mandelson to Washington despite controversies, it is the nature of the business,” he said.
Oshodi stressed that while good character is essential, diplomatic appointments remain a political decision reserved for the President or head of state.
“I am not saying we should send people of bad character abroad, but it has to be the discretion and political decision of the president or head of state,” he added.
The presidential aide urged Nigerians to respect President Tinubu’s prerogative, arguing that criticisms of the nominees reflect a misunderstanding of the President’s electoral mandate.
He maintained that the President alone carries the responsibility of choosing individuals who align with the goals and vision of his administration.
“We voted for a president, and we voted for him to make his decisions. This is the best the President has chosen, and it is the best for the interests and success of his administration,” Oshodi said.
He further explained that evaluating who is “the best” for ambassadorial appointments is subjective, noting that the real test of the nominees would be in their eventual performance in office.
“Your judgement of what is best is different from mine. He sends his people to represent his government whether for economic, security or cultural needs,” he added.
