President Bola Ahmed Tinubu
Yemi Olakitan
In the new year, it’s imperative to reflect on the significant decisions made by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in his early days in office. In June 2023, Tinubu dissolved the boards of all federal government departments, agencies, and companies. This move was followed by the recall of all Nigerian ambassadors in September 2023.
Fast-forward to today, and it’s alarming to see the vacuums that still exist in Nigeria’s governance system since not all the offices and vacancies have been occupied, although the President as made many appointments so far. However, The dimensions of the remaining vacancies are multifaceted and warrant urgent attention.
The dissolution of boards and recall of ambassadors may have been intended to bring about change and reform. However, the failure to promptly replace some of these vacant positions has created a power vacuum that’s detrimental to the country’s progress.
This leadership lacuna has far-reaching implications, including delayed decision-making, stagnated projects, and a lack of accountability. The absence of ambassadors has also affected Nigeria’s diplomatic relations and international reputation.
The Tinubu Government’s vacuum in some key positions will cause delayed decision-making in several ways. With many boards and ambassadorial positions vacant, there’s a lack of clear direction and leadership in various sectors. This absence of guidance leads to indecision and delays in implementing policies and projects.
The recall of Nigerian ambassadors has left the country without adequate representation on the international stage. This makes it challenging for the government to have additional hands that will enable it engage in diplomatic efforts, negotiate agreements, and make timely decisions on global issues.
Furthermore, the vacancies in key government positions have created bureaucratic bottlenecks. Decision-making processes are slowed down as files and proposals are left unattended, awaiting the attention of absent or newly appointed officials. The prolonged vacancies have created an atmosphere of uncertainty within the government and the private sector. This uncertainty makes it difficult for stakeholders to make informed decisions, leading to further delays and stagnation.
Specifically, on June 19, 2023
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu approved the immediate dissolution of the Governing Boards of all Federal Government Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies in the exercise of its Constitutional Powers and in the Public interest, according to a statement released and signed by Willie Bassey, the
Director of Information for the Secretary to the Government of the Federation
“The dissolution does not, however, affect Boards, Commissions and Councils listed in the Third Schedule, Part 1, Section 153 (i) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended.”
“In view of this development and until such a time new boards are constituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the Parastatals, Agencies, Institutions, and Government-Owned Companies are directed to refer matters requiring the attention of their Boards to the President, through the Permanent Secretaries of their respective supervisory Ministries and Offices,” the statement reads.
The statement further stated, “Permanent Secretaries are directed, also, to route such correspondences to Mr President through the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation. Consequently, all Ministries, Departments and Agencies are to ensure compliance to the provision of this directive which took effect from Friday 16th June, 2023. Permanent Secretaries are particularly directed to inform the Chief Executive Officers of the affected Agencies under the supervision of their respective Ministries/Offices for immediate compliance.”
It’s almost two years of the Tinubu administration, some of the offices are still vacant, according to reports.
As we enter a new year, it’s essential for President Tinubu to address these governance gaps and restore stability to the system. The Nigerian people deserve a functional and effective government that can drive growth, development, and prosperity.
The Federal Republic of Nigeria ‘s diplomatic missions have continued to be without Ambassadors as required by law since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recalled them in September apart from Nigeria’s Permanent Representative at the UN in New York and Geneva.
When President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recalled Ambassadors and High Commissioners after he took office, many perceived this decision as one of Nigeria’s presidential routines. Since it has become a culture that new presidents usually retire most of the people who worked with his predecessor and appoint new ones.
It was usually a time of performance review and career assessments and then some are retained while others are recalled. Thereafter, new appointments are made.
However, this has not been the case since President Bola Ahmed Tinubu took over power. Nigeria has about 109 diplomatic missions, with 79 Embassies, 22 High Commissions and 12 Consulates. All of these were affected, when the President made his decision.
According to reports, these roles are now been taken over by Consule- Generals and Charge D’Affairs. These offices cannot adequately and professionally replace the exalted offices of ambassadors and vacuum continues to exist.
Nigerian ambassadors and High Commissioners play crucial roles in representing the country’s interests abroad. Their primary responsibilities include, serving as the official representative of the President and Government of Nigeria in their host country and fostering and strengthening relationships between Nigeria and the host country, including economic, cultural, and educational ties.
They also Safeguard Nigeria’s interests, citizens, and businesses abroad, while also promoting the country’s economic and cultural development. The Collaborate with international organizations, governments, and other stakeholders to advance Nigeria’s foreign policy objectives and address global challenges and assist Nigerian citizens living or traveling abroad, including providing emergency services, visa support, and other consular assistance.
However, the President as recorded outstanding successes in his numerous trips abroad. He has signed many MOUS with many countries which may be difficult to implement without the presence of Ambassadors and High Commissioners who will follow them up in their respective countries.
It is evident that after President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as signer his numerous deals and MOU abroad that Nigerian ambassadors and High Commissions will play key functions in the actualisation of those MOUs.
They will engage in further discussions with their host countries to translate broad MOUs into concrete action plans, addressing specific timelines and deliverables and tackling potential challenges. Therefore, it is necessary for the administration of President Bola Tinubu to do the needful by making those appointments and fill the vacuum he created.
