The federal government has nominated former governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, along with former senator Shehu Sani and ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, for ambassadorial appointments.
The Department of State Services (DSS) is currently conducting security screenings on the nominees as part of the standard vetting process prior to an official announcement.
Nearly a year after Nigeria recalled its ambassadors from worldwide missions without immediate replacements, the development has taken place. Sources within the Presidency confirmed on condition of anonymity that the nominated individuals’ résumés had been sent to security agencies for background checks.
One of the nominees, who wished to remain anonymous, confirmed their nomination but refused to comment further. Attempts to confirm with other nominees were unsuccessful.
When asked why the official list had yet to be made public, a senior official in the Presidency revealed to Vanguard that the list was undergoing security checks with the DSS, and would be released once cleared.
“Only those who have been cleared are announced. The process is ongoing. I know we should have a list before the end of this month.”
The ambassadorial postings may also indicate the Tinubu administration’s efforts to strengthen ties with influential political figures in preparation for future elections, while filling the gap in Nigeria’s diplomatic representation abroad.
