President Muhammadu Buhari has nominated the immediate past service chiefs for ambassadorial appointments.
Nominated are Abayomi Olonisakin (Rtd), Lt Gen Tukur Buratai (Rtd), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Rtd) & Air Vice Marshal Mohammed S Usman (Rtd).
“In accordance with section 171 (1), (2) (c) & sub-section (4) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed five (5) names of nominees as Non-Career Ambassadors-Designate,” the president wrote in the epistle addressed to Ahmad Lawan, President of the red chamber.
The move might not be unconnected to moves aimed at frustrating rising petitions against the nominees by confering on them diplomatic immunity from probe at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
The Hague-based court last week received petitions from Nigerians including a civil society organization, Concerned Nigerians, which accused the ex-military chiefs of commiting crime against humanity and violations of human rights.
