Kehinde Ishola
The Coalition of Civil Society Groups (CCSG) has commended President Bola Tinubu for nominating Senator Jimoh Ibrahim and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, as ambassadors, describing the decision as strategic, merit-driven and beneficial to Nigeria’s global interests.
In a statement made available to local media on Sunday, the Convener of the coalition, Lawal Akorede, said the President’s choices reflect “a blend of intellect, experience and patriotism,” noting that both nominees have made significant contributions to national development through their roles in governance, economic reforms, security and institutional strengthening.
The coalition highlighted Ibrahim’s wide-ranging investments across the aviation, oil and gas, insurance, banking, media, hospitality and education sectors, which it said have generated employment opportunities and enhanced Nigeria’s economic competitiveness.
It also commended Yakubu, describing his tenure as INEC Chairman as disciplined and stabilising, and essential to national cohesion.
According to the group, Yakubu made notable contributions to electoral administration, peacebuilding, grassroots mobilisation and intergovernmental coordination, which it said strengthened Nigeria’s democratic stability.
“His experience could help secure global partnerships in public-sector digitisation, electoral technology, peacebuilding and security cooperation,” the CCSG stated.
The coalition added that both nominees “embody the competence and capacity” required to advance Nigeria’s economic diplomacy and expand its global partnerships.
It urged Nigerians to support the ambassadorial nominees, expressing confidence that they would project the country positively, attract global investment and partnerships, and strengthen Nigeria’s economic and security interests.