Demola Oshodi, Senior Special Assistant to President Tinubu, explained that nominations of figures like Mahmood Yakubu, Femi Fani-Kayode, and Reno Omokri for ambassadorial roles reflect the President’s consideration of loyalty, national service, competence, and maintaining federal character balance. Speaking on Arise News – The Morning Show, Oshodi said, “We voted for him. We give him the right to choose his executives, so we have to trust his judgment.”
He highlighted Yakubu’s long career in managing Nigeria’s elections and described the appointees as “non-career diplomats” whose priority is loyalty. Regarding Fani-Kayode, Oshodi added, “Being divisive does not eliminate him from serving further… The President’s decision is based on national service and, in many ways, a balance of competence.”