Former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), along with prominent figures such as Senator Shehu Sani and ex-President Goodluck Jonathan’s aide Reno Omokri, are among those nominated for ambassadorial positions by the federal government.
Nominations under review
According to sources, the nominees are currently undergoing security checks by relevant agencies as part of the screening process before their official appointments are confirmed.
This follows a delay in the replacement of Nigeria’s recalled ambassadors, leaving a gap in the country’s diplomatic postings.
Security checks in progress
A Presidency official confirmed that the nominees’ resumes had already been sent to security agencies, including the Department of State Services (DSS), for thorough background checks.
The official revealed that the list of confirmed appointees would be made public after all security clearances are completed.
“They (the appointed nominees) are already doing security checks with the DSS. When they have cleared the checks, we will release the list. Only those who pass the security checks will be announced. The process is ongoing, and I expect the list to be out before the end of this month,” the Presidency source explained.
Confirmation of appointments
While one of the nominees confirmed his appointment on the condition of anonymity, efforts to reach others for confirmation were unsuccessful.
The delay in the release of the full list of ambassadorial appointees has raised questions about its potential impact on Nigeria’s diplomatic operations, especially as the country’s previous ambassadors were recalled almost a year ago.
