THIS DAWN — Mr. Valentine Obienyem, a public affairs commentator and media aide to the Labour Party presidential candidate, Mr. Peter Obi, has issued a scathing critique of Nigeria’s newly released list of ambassadorial nominees presented by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Mr. Obienyem described the selections as further evidence of what he called the country’s deepening moral and institutional decay.
Obienyem made the scathing remarks in a strongly worded statement titled “When Mediocrity Becomes National Policy”.
He said the appointments represent “a nation gasping for life yet governed by leaders unwilling to resuscitate her.”
According to him, the calibre of individuals listed for ambassadorial positions reflects a broader national crisis.
Integrity, competence, and moral standing have vividly been discarded in favour of political patronage and personal loyalty, noted Obienyem.
“By appointing this calibre of men,” he argued, “we are telling Nigerians that virtue no longer matters… that political bargains are more important than merit.”
Obienyem criticised supporters who celebrated the nominations, saying their excitement reveals distorted thinking.
He questioned why any group would feel disproportionately favoured if the nominees were truly chosen on merit.
“This is nothing but incestuous reasoning,” he declared.
‘Representatives abroad are Nigeria’s problems back home’
Linking diplomatic appointments to Nigeria’s global reputation, he said a nation’s envoys often mirror its moral condition.
“Nigeria cannot rise when those chosen to represent her abroad are themselves emblematic of everything that has weakened her at home,” he stated.
Obienyem specifically referenced names that have circulated publicly—including Reno Omokri, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Mahmood Yakubu.
See full list below:
He said that he was stunned by their inclusion.
He likened his reaction to a confused reader opening Maimonides’ Guide for the Perplexed.
While emphasising that his remarks were personal opinion, he warned that the pattern of appointments suggests a decline in national values.
In a sarcastic tone, he added that at the rate the government is going, it “might as well nominate recently pardoned criminals or figures like MC Oluomo and Asari Dokubo to complete the spectacle.”
Obienyem also questioned the potential posting of Reno Omokri.
He urged Nigerians to help identify the official social media accounts of foreign leaders in order to “periodically remind them” of Omokri’s past criticism of the Nigerian President during election season.
He concluded by lamenting what he called the ongoing deterioration of national standards.
“Meanwhile,” he said, “let the disgrace continue.”
The Federal Government has yet to respond to Obienyem’s comments, and the Senate screening process for the nominees is still pending.
