Ambassadorial appointments: Group calls for merit‑based selections

From Noah Ebije, Kaduna

A coalition of civil society groups under the banner of the Rescue Movement for New Nigeria (RMNN) has condemned the Federal Government’s recent list of ambassadorial nominees, describing it as a list driven by political compensation, not merit.

A statement by the National Secretary of the group, Oluwarotimi Daniels, said the inclusion of several politically connected individuals with questionable reputations threatens Nigeria’s international image and distracts from urgent security and governance challenges.

“The inclusion of several nominees, widely regarded as political beneficiaries rather than qualified foreign‑service professionals, reinforces the troubling culture of patronage that has long undermined Nigeria’s progress,” the group said.

It warned that the nominees could damage Nigeria’s reputation abroad and divert attention from pressing issues, such as kidnappings, banditry and violent attacks.

It called on the Senate to reject nominees lacking competence and moral standing and urged the Federal Government to adopt a transparent, merit‑based selection process for ambassadorial posts.

“We demand that the Federal Government adopt a transparent and merit‑driven selection process for ambassadorial positions.

“Nigeria is blessed with seasoned career diplomats, technocrats, scholars and professionals, who can be deployed to strengthen the nation’s global partnerships.

“Nigeria cannot continue on a path where political appeasement is prioritised over competence. The consequences are evident; deteriorating governance, emboldened criminals, rising insecurity and a weakened international reputation,” the statement added.

The Rescue Movement said it stands for a Nigeria where leadership is earned, not gifted and where public office reflects integrity, not political reward.