The Presidency has offered fresh insight into why President Bola Tinubu included Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode and Mahmood Yakubu in the latest list of ambassadorial nominees sent to the National Assembly.
The nominations, released last week, sparked widespread debates across the country.
Many Nigerians questioned the inclusion of the former INEC Chairman, the ex-Aviation Minister and the former presidential aide, noting that each of them has been at the centre of several political controversies over the years.
But the Senior Special Assistant (Protocol) to the President, Demola Oshodi, has now addressed the concerns.
Speaking during an interview on Arise Television’s The Morning Show, he explained that every administration faces criticism when it comes to high-profile appointments, yet the President must still make decisions based on what he believes will strengthen his government.
According to him, appointments of this nature often require a balance of competence, national representation, and strategic political considerations.
He emphasised that Nigerians must trust the President’s judgment since he was elected to lead and make tough decisions.
“We voted for him. We give him the right to choose his executives, so we have to trust his judgment,” Oshodi said, insisting that the President weighed several factors before finalising the list.
Oshodi further responded to questions on whether the inclusion of Yakubu, Omokri and Fani-Kayode was tied to any specific foreign policy objectives ahead of 2027.
He noted that each of the nominees brings a background the President considers useful for diplomatic engagement.
In reference to the former INEC Chairman, Oshodi stated that Yakubu’s long career in public service and his experience overseeing multiple national elections stood out.
He explained that Yakubu’s work “is generally considered a good job” and that the President may have taken into account his years of national service.
He stressed that the appointment should not be viewed solely through the lens of personal loyalty. “No, it’s the criteria of national service,” he clarified while discussing Yakubu’s nomination.
Oshodi also highlighted the need for federal character, ethnic balance and a broad mix of expertise among Nigeria’s diplomats.
“So you can’t just focus on loyalty and say that is the reason,” he added, pointing out that competence, national service and the need for representation also formed part of the evaluation.
On Fani-Kayode’s inclusion, Oshodi explained that the former minister’s turbulent political history does not erase his long record of service.
He said diplomatic postings differ from country to country, and the President intentionally selects individuals whose skills match the demands of specific missions.
“Some countries and situations require certain skills and attributes, and I want to believe the President’s judgment is based on that,” he noted.
He described Fani-Kayode as someone who has served in various capacities and therefore qualifies for further national duty, regardless of public perceptions about his political style.
“Being divisive does not eliminate him from serving further,” Oshodi added.
He also dismissed suggestions that Reno Omokri’s outspoken personality should disqualify him from diplomatic work.
According to him, political appointments are not only about career diplomacy but also about individuals who clearly understand the administration’s goals and can defend Nigeria’s interests abroad.
Oshodi maintained that the President is focused on assembling a team that will advance Nigeria’s standing internationally while also ensuring internal political stability.
The article was originally published on Politics Nigeria.