Diplomatic Immunity: Buhari Nominates Buratai Other Retired Service Chiefs As Ambassadors

Leader of Nigeria’s junta, Muhammadu Buhari has nominated the immediate past Chief or Army Staff as an ambassador.

In a letter to the senate on Thursday, Buhari wrote:

“In accordance with section 171 (1), (2) (c) & sub-section (4) of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as amended, I have the honour to forward for confirmation by the Senate, the under-listed five (5) names of nominees as Non-Career Ambassadors-Designate.”

The nominees are:

• Abayomi G. Olonisakin, retired general and former chief of defence staff;
• Tukur Y. Buratai, retired lt-gen and former chief of army staff
• Ibok-Ete Ibas, retired vice-admiral  and former chief of naval staff
• Sadique Abubakar, retired air marshal and former chief of air staff
• Mohammed S. Usman, retired air vice marshal and former chief of defence

Buhari urged the senate to give “expeditious consideration” to the nominations.