Former Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Joe Keshi, has strongly criticized the ambassadorial list submitted by President Bola Tinubu to the Senate for confirmation, questioning the suitability of several nominees.

Speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Monday, Keshi said while some names on the list were acceptable, the majority of the non-career nominees were deeply troubling.

“Are these the kind of people we want to represent Nigeria? You have people who, if justice had prevailed and the rules had been followed, should be cooling their heels in prison, not being sent out as ambassadors,” he said.

Keshi also criticized former governors included on the list, accusing them of failed leadership and rewarding them for political maneuvering rather than competence.

“Nigeria needs to send its best hands as ambassadors. The diplomatic service was originally established to be independent, competent, and able to compete globally. That standard has been eroded by political interference over time,” he added.