BY VICTORIA OJEME

ABUJA – Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb Olugbenga Ashiru, said yesterday that foreign service posting would now be based on merit and not seniority.

Ashiru, who stated this on his resumption in the ministry, also charged all foreign service officers to re-dedicate themselves  to justify the expectations of Nigerians in turning around the present foreign policy of the country.

Ashiru, who was received by top officials of the ministry, led by the Permanent Secretary, Amb Martins Uhomoibhi, noted that the nation’s foreign service had a  large pool of manpower and intellectual diplomats the country could be proud of.

“The idea of  senior foreign service officer from a state would no longer be a criteria  for foreign posting during my dispensation here, as hard work would be the yardstick for rewarding officers in the ministry.  Laziness will be sanctioned”.

He cautioned staff against any form of back-biting, rumour-mongering and other vices that might be inimical to the ministry’s ability to deliver quality service.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Amb Martin Uhomoibhi, had expressed his happiness for the appointment of  Amb. Ashiru, recalling that he had become the third career- officer to head the ministry, after Amb. Olisemeka and Amb. Adeniji.