Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw the list of 65 ambassadorial nominees sent to the Nigerian Senate, arguing that the composition violates Nigeria’s federal character principle.
The former Senate Leader claims the distribution of nominees is lopsided and fails to reflect Nigeria’s diversity as required under Section 14(3) of the Constitution, which mandates that government appointments represent the country’s federal character to ensure national unity.
Ndume pointed out that while some states have three or four nominees, others like Gombe State have no representation at all. He also noted troubling issues with the list, including the inclusion of Senator Adamu Garba Talba from Yobe, who reportedly died in July.
According to the breakdown provided:
- South-West: 15 nominees
- North-West: 13 nominees
- South-South: 12 nominees
- North-Central: 10 nominees
- South-East: 9 nominees
- North-East: 7 nominees
Ndume described Tinubu as “a cosmopolitan leader who is at home with every segment and stakeholders in the country” but urged him to avoid decisions that could fuel ethnic tension. He stated: “At this critical juncture in his administration, he should avoid missteps that could undermine national unity and foster ethnic distrust”.
The senator has called on the president to submit a revised list that properly aligns with constitutional requirements for equitable regional representation.
The Senate is set to begin screening the 65 nominees next week after receiving the submission from President Tinubu last Thursday. The list includes high-profile figures such as Reno Omokri, former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode.
