Northern Elders React To Appointment Of Ex-service Chiefs As Ambassadors

The Northern Elders’ Forum (NEF) has reacted to the appointment of the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, had, in a statement on Thursday announced that Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (rtd), Gen Abayomi G. Olonisakin (rtd ), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (rtd), and Air Vice Marshal Mohammed S. Usman (rtd) have all been appointed as ambassadors, subject to the confirmation of the Senate.

“In accordance with section 171 (1), (2) (c) & sub-section (4) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed five (5) names of nominees as Non-Career Ambassadors-Designate,” a letter the President sent to Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, President of the Senate reads.

Reacting, the Northern Elders’ Forum welcomed the appointment of the former service chiefs as non-career ambassadors.

According to the spokesman of the forum, Dr Hakeem Baba-Ahmed, the appointment of the former service chiefs is entirely the prerogative of the president.

He, however, noted that the appointment of the former security chiefs must go through the legislative process of confirmation.

He said: “The appointment of the former service chiefs “is entirely the prerogative of the President.

“If he believes that they have served their nation well enough and they deserve to be appointed ambassadors, no one will quarrel with him.

“But they have to go through the legislative process of confirmation. That is what the law says.”