Former Director General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs, Prof Bola Akinterinwa, has explained why former governors in Nigeria wants ambassadorial roles.
According to The PUNCH, he stated this while addressing the reports that some state governors, former ministers, and other officials who served in the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari and political associates of President Bola Tinubu have launched an intense lobby for appointments as Nigerian ambassadors.
He said, “there are many reasons why people lobby to be ambassadors. For instance, those who have corruption charges want continued protection after they leave service; they call it diplomatic protection, and this is of two types, as provided in the 1961 Vienna Convention and as provided by private international law.
“People complained when the service chiefs under former President Muhammadu Buhari were considered for ambassadorial positions. Governors who have stolen money still have immunity, but after their tenure, such an appointment gives them another four years of immunity.
“So, everybody is struggling to get an ambassadorial position for protection. Another thing is that people like titles in Nigeria. If Tinubu wants to succeed as President, he needs to stop this special consideration given to political cronies.
“The problem with Nigerian politicians is that they are more interested in self-survival than national survival, and there are many cases to illustrate that.”
