PDP Senators to reject Buratai, Abubakar, ex-security chiefs’ nominations as ambassadors

Barring any last minute change of mind, senators elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party may turn down the request by President Muhammadu Buhari for the Senate to confirm immediate past security chiefs as non-career ambassadors-designate.

Recall that the president had in a statement through his media aide, Femi Adesina, said Buhari had forwarded a letter to the senate to confirm Gen Abayomi G. Olonisakin (Rtd ), Lt Gen Tukur Y. Buratai (Rtd), Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (Rtd), Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar (Rtd), and Air Vice Marshal Mohammed S. Usman (Rtd) as non-career ambassadors.

“In a letter to Senator Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, President of the Senate, the President said: ‘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,” Adesina had said.

The development irked many Nigerians, particularly some activists, who believe Buhari wants to shield the ex-security chief from being invited by the International Criminal Court, ICC, especially the former Army Chief, Buratai.

A source at Wadata Plaze told this medium that most PDP Senators are not happy with the development.

According to the source, who would not want his name mentioned, the Buhari’s action is an insult to the entire nation.

“It is an insult to over N200m Nigerians. It is a clear indication that Buhari does not care about what happens to other Nigerians.

“We are in touch with some of our senators who vowed to reject the president’s request to confirm the ex-service chiefs.

“It doesn’t make any sense. So, the same Buratai that claimed Nigeria is safe will now move his family from the country and relocate overseas?

“The senate has the final say and it is time for them to prove to Nigerians that they are not rubber stamps as people call them.”