- SSA to President Tinubu, defended the controversial inclusion of former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Reno Omokri on the ambassadorial list.
- Oshodi stated that these political appointments prioritize loyalty to the administration.
- He justified Yakubu’s nomination based on his “exemplary” national service and the need for “ethnic and state balance,” while arguing that Fani-Kayode’s past “divisive” conduct does not eliminate him from further national service, as the final decision rests on the President’s assessment of their competence and capacity.
Demola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant (Protocol) to President Bola Tinubu, has defended the inclusion of controversial figures like former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, ex-Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri on the recently submitted ambassadorial nominees list.
Oshodi acknowledged that opposition is inevitable in any appointment but insisted that the public must trust the President’s judgment and the need to maintain balance.
“We voted for him. We give him the right to choose his executives, so we have to trust his judgment,” he said on Arise News.
When pressed on how the nominees, particularly Yakubu, Omokri, and Fani-Kayode, are strategic to Nigeria’s foreign policy, Oshodi offered several criteria for their inclusion:
On Mahmood Yakubu:
Oshodi cited criteria of national service, federal character, and loyalty:
“No, it’s the criteria of national service. I’m just giving you different reasons why the President made his judgment. There’s also ethnic and state balance. He needs to ensure there’s a general federal character.”
He added that Yakubu’s long service as INEC Chairman was considered exemplary:
“I can tell you for a fact that his national service has been exemplary. That is why he has been rewarded with this high office. Of course, as you said, his loyalty to the President is based on all four criteria.”
On Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri (Non-Career Diplomats):
Oshodi emphasized that their appointments are political and prioritize loyalty:
“So these non-career diplomats are political. Their first priority is loyalty. They have been loyal to the administration and understand its vision.”
Regarding Fani-Kayode’s past controversial public conduct, Oshodi stressed competence and national service:
“Mr. Fani-Kayode has served this country in many capacities. Being divisive does not eliminate him from serving further.”
“Everyone’s personal life is personal. The President’s decision is based on national service and, in many ways, a balance of competence.”
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