By Henry Ojelu

The Northern Progressive Forum has faulted the ambassadorial list released by President Bola Tinubu, alleging that the North-East geopolitical zone has been shortchanged in the distribution of diplomatic postings.

Chairman of the group, Alhaji Hassan Mustapha, in a statement on Saturday, said the imbalance undermines the principle of federal character and risks further marginalising states in the region already grappling with developmental challenges.

President Tinubu’s administration recently announced 65 nominees for Nigeria’s 108 embassies and high commissions, ending a three-year vacuum in the country’s diplomatic missions.

The statement however raised concerns over the yet-to-be-filled ambassadorial slots, noting that previous administrations made more extensive diplomatic appointments.

It recalled that former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed 95 ambassadors, while Goodluck Jonathan named 93 envoys during his tenure. Similarly, the administration of Olusegun Obasanjo had over 88 ambassadors.

According to the Forum, the current figures have intensified concerns about regional disparities, in the North-East particularly in Taraba and Yobe states.

It referenced repeated warnings by Senator Ali Ndume, who has consistently decried what he described as a widening gap in federal appointments.

Ndume had specifically pointed out that Yobe State lacks adequate representation, while states such as Taraba have fewer nominees compared to other regions.

“We urge the Federal Government to urgently address these imbalances in subsequent announcements to ensure that all regions, particularly the North-East, are fairly represented,” Mustapha stated.

The Forum expressed hope that further nominations expected in the coming weeks would reflect a more balanced spread in line with constitutional provisions on federal character.