Ambassadorial Postings: We Are Operating A Dysfunctional Diplomatic Practice – Fagbemi Blows Hot

Amid the controversy surrounding the release of ambassadorial postings, political scientist and national security expert Kunle Fagbemi has stated that Nigeria is operating a dysfunctional system that is causing widespread embarrassment.

Fagbemi stated this on Friday during a live interview programme on Arise Television.

He said that the Federal Government cannot publish ambassador-designates’ names and postings until they have undergone the induction course.

He added that posting information on the appointment should come from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, not the presidency.

“We are operating a dysfunctional diplomatic practice; Foreign Affairs management and the presidency of the Nigerian state. We have cautioned and pleaded with the incumbent Special Adviser on Information, Bayo Onanuga, to be kindly mindful of the way he issues statements.

“One of the statements that came out from him, which has again irritated and exacerbated the issues, has to do with the fact that you do not publicize the names and the postings of any Ambassador designate until such an ambassador designate has undergone the induction course.

“Painfully, that was done and in that same statement that he issued on behalf of the presidency of the Nigerian state, he drew attention to the fact that they had only received agreement concerning two of those ambassador-designates.

“This in itself was given a pointer to other stakeholders to know that they too can decide not to do the needful of granting the agreement that will allow these men and women to report at their duty post,” he said.