Development expert and business analyst Tawfiq Raimi has warned that the Senate must not rush President Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees despite the long delay in assembling the list, insisting that “quality evaluation and precise scrutiny” cannot be traded for speed.
Speaking during an interview with ARISE News on Thursday, Raimi—who is also a member of the ruling APC—said the heated confrontation between Senators Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole during the screening of Reno Omokri underscored the need for a more disciplined process.
Raimi said he observed the clash between the two senators and agreed with fellow analyst Abba Kaka that the screening lacked rigour.
“What I observed, actually, is that—and I agree with Abba Kaka—the process is supposed to be thorough. The fact that this nomination or appointment of ambassadors took more than two years before our president could make the nominations should not make us sacrifice quality evaluation and precise scrutiny on the altar of speed.”
He stressed that President Tinubu had done well by eventually transmitting the list, but that the delay should not pressure senators into rubber-stamping the nominees.
“The president has done well by finally deciding to have Nigerian ambassadors in different foreign lands. The job of adequately representing who we are abroad cannot be undertaken without proper ambassadors in our foreign missions.”
Raimi argued that strong diplomatic representation is central to rebuilding investor confidence.
“Foreign direct investment we have been asking to flow into Nigeria will be enhanced when we have the right people representing us across the globe. They will be able to woo investors from abroad, tell our story by ourselves, and not allow other people to tell our story for us.”
He insisted that every senator must be allowed to question nominees, including those seen as controversial.
“No senator should be denied the opportunity to critique every nominee of the president.”
Raimi acknowledged widespread concern that some nominees may not be fit for diplomatic service.
“Many Nigerians have argued that a number of people on the ambassadorial list are not qualified to be nominated in the first place. Even within our party, there are agitations. Some people that castigated our president in the past—some did not even work for the victory of our party—are on that list.”
He added, however, that Tinubu’s leadership style explains the inclusiveness.
“Our president knows what he is doing. He knows he needs an inclusive government. He believes that even though people have offended, if they have something to contribute, they should be brought into government.”
In the second part of the programme, Raimi also weighed in on President Tinubu’s order withdrawing police officers from VIP protection duties, saying the directive sends a strong message about discipline and leadership.
“The president is a very bold leader. It is an embarrassment to any president to give a directive and such directive will not be obeyed.”
He said the order is necessary to redirect security resources to ordinary Nigerians.
“We need these police officers to fight insecurity that has ravaged our country for years. Now more than ever.”
Raimi praised Tinubu for insisting on immediate compliance and said top officials must follow through.
“If anyone feels this is too difficult to implement, there are two things: resign, or obey. And if the president feels they are not implementing it, he should wield the biggest stick. Ask them to resign.”
He concluded that Tinubu is trying to instil seriousness in governance.
“I think we should get serious in this country, and our president is trying to bring that seriousness into his government.”
Boluwatife Enome
Follow us on:
