Former Abia Governor Ikpeazu Undergoes Screening for Ambassadorial Appointment

Former Governor of Abia State, Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu, has been named among the select political figures currently undergoing security clearance for possible ambassadorial appointments by the Federal Government.

This development, which has sparked heated conversations across political circles and within Abia State, follows the Federal Government's renewed efforts to fill over 90 vacant diplomatic positions across Nigeria's embassies and high commissions abroad.

Sources close to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that Ikpeazu has already submitted himself for security vetting at a Department of State Services (DSS) facility, a mandatory process for all nominees being considered for the prestigious foreign postings.

Ikpeazu, who served as Governor of Abia State from 2015 to 2023, has largely maintained a low public profile since exiting office, amid public criticism and widespread concern over his administration's performance, particularly regarding unpaid salaries, infrastructural decay, and economic stagnation in the state. His sudden reappearance on the federal radar has left many Abians questioning the criteria for his nomination.

Also undergoing screening are former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Senator Shehu Sani-who recently decamped to the All Progressives Congress (APC)-and ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri.

Other high-profile figures reportedly cleared for diplomatic roles include former Lagos State Deputy Governor Femi Pedro and former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, both of whom have completed their screenings and are awaiting formal announcements of their portfolios.

This wave of appointments follows President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's decision in September 2023 to recall all Nigerian ambassadors, both career and non-career, citing the need for fresh diplomatic engagement. However, nearly two years after the recall, replacements are yet to be officially unveiled.

The Federal Government, through the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yusuf Tuggar, had previously blamed the delay in ambassadorial appointments on budgetary constraints. But with the recent momentum around screening, observers believe the long-awaited list of new diplomats may soon be announced.

Reports from Vanguard indicate that the screening process includes detailed checks into candidates' educational background, career history, political affiliations, and public service records. These findings are said to be shared with the Presidency and the National Assembly to inform final selections.

Political analysts say Ikpeazu's inclusion raises questions about whether political reward, rather than performance, remains the dominant criterion for federal appointments.

As Nigerians await the official list of diplomatic nominees, the spotlight remains firmly on Okezie Ikpeazu and whether his controversial governorship record will be overlooked in favour of political expediency.

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