By Muhammad Mamman
Former Senate Leader and veteran lawmaker Ali Ndume has called on President Bola Tinubu to withdraw his newly submitted ambassadorial list, describing it as a blatant breach of Nigeria’s constitutional commitment to equity and national unity.
Speaking in Abuja on Thursday, Ndume argued the current list violates Section 14(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which mandates that federal appointments reflect the country’s national spread and prevent dominance by a few states or ethnic groups.
He noted glaring disparities in the distribution of ambassadorial nominees. While some states received three or four slots, others — such as Gombe — were entirely excluded. He also pointed out that the only nominee from Yobe, a former senator, died in July, yet remains on the list.
According to Ndume, the Northwest and Southeast had 13 nominees each, the South-West led with 15, the South-South had 12, and the North-Central had 10, while the North-East managed just seven. This unbalanced spread, he warned, could fuel ethnic distrust and undermine national cohesion if allowed to stand.
Ndume described Tinubu as a cosmopolitan leader “who is at home with every segment and stakeholder in the country,” calling on him to exercise constitutional prudence by withdrawing the list and presenting a fresh nomination that truly reflects Nigeria’s diversity.
The list, which includes both career and non-career nominees, has already been referred by the Senate President to the Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening. With growing criticism, the spotlight is now on whether the government will heed calls for a more balanced approach or push ahead — even if it risks deepening regional tensions.
