By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The nomination of the immediate past service chiefs as non-career ambassadors has been confirmed by the Nigerian Senate.
President Muhammadu Buhari had selected the former Chief of Defence Staff, Mr Gabriel Olonisakin; the former Chief of Army Staff, Mr Tukur Buratai; the former Chief of Air Staff, Mr Ibok Ibas; and the former Chief of Naval Staff, Mr Abubakar Sadique as non-career envoys shortly after they retired from the military.
He had sent their names to the Senate for screening and confirmation on February 5, 2021, in accordance with the law.
On Tuesday, despite opposition to their nomination, the upper chamber of the National Assembly led by the Senate President, Mr Ahmad Lawan, authorised their appointments.
Critics had accused President Buhari of appointing the former military officers as diplomats to shield them from prosecution at the International Criminal Court (ICC).
They were accused of human rights abuses while they were in office, especially the October 20, 2020, incident in Lagos, where it was alleged that soldiers opened fire on some peaceful protesters at the Lekki Toll Gate.
The demonstration was for an end to police brutality in the country as well as bad governance. No one has been indicted as a panel instituted to look into the matter was yet to conclude its findings.
