Former Senate Leader, Ali Ndume, has urged President Bola Tinubu to retract the recently submitted list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the Senate for screening and confirmation.
Ndume made the appeal on Thursday in Abuja, raising concerns that the list does not comply with the Federal Character principle mandated by Nigeria’s Constitution.
The Senator representing Borno South argued that the nominees’ list fails to reflect the diversity required under Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which directs that the composition of government bodies should mirror Nigeria’s federal character.
He noted that the distribution of nominees is unequal, with certain states receiving multiple slots while others are entirely left out. For example, while the Southwest region secured 15 nominees, the Northeast — Ndume’s region — received only seven, and Gombe State had no representation at all.
Ndume also highlighted the passing of Senator Adamu Garba Talba, Yobe State’s only nominee, in July, which further compounded the inequity in representation.
According to the Borno Senator, the imbalance is not merely symbolic; it has the potential to weaken national unity and fuel ethnic divisions. He therefore called on President Tinubu to reconsider the nominations to ensure fairness and inclusivity.
“The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies must reflect Nigeria’s federal character and promote national unity. No single state, ethnic group, or section should dominate the government or its agencies,” Ndume stated.
He added, “I sincerely appeal to President Tinubu to withdraw this list. At this critical stage of his administration, he must avoid actions that could threaten national cohesion and stir ethnic distrust. I know him to be a cosmopolitan leader, connected with all regions and stakeholders. He should present a revised set of nominees that truly aligns with the Constitution’s Federal Character Principle.”
Following the release of the ambassadorial list, some Nigerians have echoed Ndume’s call, urging the President to replace controversial names like Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri, who have publicly criticized the administration.
