LAGOS, Nigeria — A group called the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation don oppose the consideration of former Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Femi Pedro, for an ambassadorial role meant for the state. Dis statement come as the Federal Government dey review nominations for 109 diplomatic missions across the globe.
In a statement released on Sunday, the foundation raise concerns about Pedro’s eligibility, stating he no be indigene of Lagos State despite his past role as deputy governor. “We dey strongly oppose this move and urge Lagosians to speak out before dem finalize the appointment,” di group talk.
Di statement continue, “Femi Pedro no be indigene of Lagos State. E no fit serve as our representative at any national or international level. We no go allow political favoritism disturb the rights of Lagos indigenes.”
The group express worry about the trend of appointing non-indigenes to positions meant for Lagos, saying e dey undermine di state’s constitutional rights. “Lagos deserve authentic representation for all levels of government, especially for positions wey fit serve our cultural and political interests,” dem add.
Di foundation highlight how dem feel about recent ministerial appointments wey shut out indigenes. “We must defend our rights and ensure di Lagos State quota dey reserved strictly for qualified indigenes who dey connected to our culture and values,” dem urge.
Dis environmental concern about ambassadorial nomination come as Nigeria de vet a list of candidates. Reliable sources confirm say Femi Fani-Kayode, a former Minister of Aviation, and Pedro, dey among di nominees under review. The vetting wan take place in local DSS offices instead of a centralized location.
“Dem go announce di appointments soon as dem dey screen di candidates,” one official talk. However, di complete list of nominees dey highly classified due to di sensitive nature of di appointments.
Di Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, don already point out di financial difficulties wey dey hold back di appointment process. “We dey meet financial issues wey impact di proper functioning of our foreign missions. E no make sense to appoint ambassadors without di funds to support dem,” Tuggar talk during one briefing.
The group also implore di Department of State Services and other relevant bodies to reject Pedro’s nomination, promising to ensure dem go protect di identity and dignity of di people of Lagos. “We no go keep quiet while dem dey shortchange us because of political maneuvers,” di foundation conclude in dia statement.
