A coalition of civil society groups has backed the list of ambassadorial nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu.
It has been mixed reactions ever since the Presidency unveiled the 32-man list on Saturday,, with some Nigerians expressing reservations over the inclusion of certain personalities.
However, in a statement on Sunday, signed by the Convener of the group, Lawal Akorede, it said the personalities chosen by President Tinubu were eminently qualified.
The group specifically applauded Tinubu for the nomination of Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and former INEC Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, describing the move as strategic and rooted in merit.
Akorede said the president’s choices reflected “a blend of intellect, experience and patriotism,” noting that both appointees have played significant roles in Nigeria’s development across the economy, security, governance and social reforms.
The group highlighted Senator Ibrahim’s long-running contributions to national growth, citing his investments in aviation, oil and gas, insurance, banking, media, hospitality and education—sectors it said have created jobs and enhanced Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
His performance in the 10th Senate, the group noted, has “demonstrated uncommon patriotism,” especially in matters of national security, economic stability and institutional accountability.
The group also commended Prof. Yakubu, immediate past chairman of INEC, for what it described as disciplined, patriotic and stabilising service to the nation.
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It said, Yakubu’s work in administration, electoral management, peacebuilding, grassroots mobilisation and intergovernmental coordination helped deepen national cohesion and democratic stability.
The coalition added that Yakubu’s reputation for institutional discipline would boost international confidence in Nigeria’s governance systems-an important factor in attracting foreign investment.
His experience, it added, could help secure new partnerships in public-sector digitisation, electoral technology, peacebuilding and global security cooperation.
“These appointments are not political favours but strategic investments in Nigeria’s future,” the statement said.
“President Tinubu has once again shown that competence, loyalty and capacity guide his selection of national representatives.”
The group urged Nigerians to support the ambassadorial nominees, expressing confidence that they would project the country positively, attract global partnerships and strengthen Nigeria’s economic and security interests.
