President Bola Tinubu’s recent political maneuvers, particularly his appointment of controversial figures as ambassadors and the launch of “Renewed Hope Ambassadors” to promote his second-term agenda. Aziken critiques these moves as a risky mix of political redemption and potential hypocrisy, raising concerns about national interest and governance.

Key Points:

1. Rehabilitating Former Critics:
   • Tinubu has appointed former critics such as Reno Omokri and Femi Fani-Kayode to prominent positions, including ambassadorial roles.
   • Omokri, once a vocal detractor, now praises Tinubu in near-spiritual terms, creating perceptions of irony and opportunism.
   • Fani-Kayode, previously criticized harshly by Tinubu, is now being positioned as a representative abroad.
2. Merit vs. Political Strategy:
   • The appointments have sparked widespread skepticism about the criteria for public service, as many nominees lack the diplomatic credibility needed for their roles.
   • Comparisons are drawn to historical missteps, such as Joseph Kennedy’s ambassadorship to the UK, emphasizing the risks of personal biases influencing national representation.
3. Renewed Hope Ambassadors:
   • Tinubu’s government launched a group tasked with promoting his administration’s achievements ahead of the 2027 elections.
   • Each ambassador was provided with high-end vehicles (Toyota Land Cruiser, Hilux, Hummer), which critics argue contradicts the government’s “Buy Nigeria First” policy.
   • The initiative is widely seen as a thinly veiled pre-election campaign rather than genuine public engagement.
4. Symbolic Contradictions:
   • Aziken highlights the contrast between the optics of luxury vehicles and ongoing national challenges like insecurity and kidnappings.
   • The appointments and ambassadorial campaign raise questions about Tinubu’s priorities and whether political loyalty is valued over national interest.

Conclusion:
The article frames Tinubu’s redemption politics as a high-risk strategy that could undermine public trust. While politically shrewd, the approach blurs the line between personal reward, political expediency, and service to the nation, leaving Nigerians questioning the sincerity and strategic wisdom behind these decisions.