A coalition of civil society organisations has raised concerns over the reported consideration of former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mr. Femi Pedro, as an ambassadorial nominee to represent Lagos State in the diplomatic corps.
The group, Lagos Integrity Watch (LIW), in a statement issued yesterday and signed by its Coordinator, Barrister Oluwaseun Adegboyega, questioned the propriety of selecting Pedro given what they described as “unresolved political controversies” surrounding his tenure in office.
“While we acknowledge Mr. Pedro’s experience in both public service and the private sector, we believe there are pertinent issues that require thorough examination before such a sensitive diplomatic appointment is confirmed,” the statement read in part.
The controversy stems from Pedro’s tumultuous exit from the Lagos State government in 2007 when he resigned as deputy governor under then-Governor Bola Tinubu’s administration, only days before the end of their tenure. Pedro had earlier defected from the Action Congress to the Labour Party to pursue his gubernatorial ambition.
Political analyst Dr. Tokunbo Afikuyomi explained to our correspondent that the situation highlights the complex dynamics of political representation in diplomatic appointments. “The ambassadorial selection process typically considers various factors including regional balance, professional competence, and political affiliations. The objection raises important questions about who truly represents a state’s interests abroad,” he noted.
Sources within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that Pedro’s name appears on a preliminary list of career and non-career diplomatic nominees being considered by the presidency, though no formal announcement has been made.
The LIW has called for a more inclusive and transparent selection process, suggesting that “Lagos, as Nigeria’s commercial nerve centre, deserves representation by individuals whose public service records are unblemished and who enjoy broad-based acceptance across political divides.”
In response to the controversy, Chief Ademola Oyedele, a political associate of Pedro, defended the former deputy governor, describing him as “eminently qualified” for the position. “Mr. Pedro’s experience in banking, governance, and international business makes him an ideal candidate. The objections are merely political and do not reflect his capabilities or contributions to Lagos State,” Oyedele insisted.
The group has petitioned the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs to conduct thorough screening should Pedro’s nomination be formally submitted, promising to present detailed memoranda outlining their concerns.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, Mrs. Folashade Okoya, when contacted, stated that the Ministry would not comment on potential nominees until the President formally submits the list to the Senate for confirmation.
Political observers note that ambassadorial nominations often generate controversy as they represent one of the most coveted political appointments, combining prestige with the opportunity to shape Nigeria’s international relations.
