Fresh tension is brewing ahead of the Senate’s screening of over 64 ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has demanded the immediate withdrawal of the list.
Ndume, who issued a statement on Saturday, insisted that the composition of the nominees violates the Federal Character principle as mandated by the Nigerian Constitution.
According to him, several states were either underrepresented or completely excluded, while some states had multiple nominees.
The Senate President had earlier read the list during plenary and referred it to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for legislative scrutiny.
Citing Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution, Ndume stressed that all federal appointments must reflect Nigeria’s diversity to promote national unity and prevent dominance by a few states or ethnic groups. He warned that disregarding this constitutional requirement could heighten ethnic tension and further erode public trust.
“My sincere appeal to President Tinubu is to withdraw this list,” Ndume said. “At this critical time, he should avoid decisions that could endanger national unity. I know him as a cosmopolitan leader who values every segment of the country. He should present a fresh list that aligns with the Federal Character Principle.”
President Tinubu had earlier nominated several high-profile figures, including former aides to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, Reno Omokri, a former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman, ex-Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, among others.
On Thursday, the President also transmitted an additional list featuring the immediate past Sole Administrator of Rivers State, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, and several other nominees.
Ndume’s objection has set the stage for what could become a heated debate as the Senate prepares for the screening exercise.
