Chief Executive Officer of TAF Africa, Jake Epelle, says he does not believe President Bola Tinubu received proper advice before nominating former INEC chairman, Mahmood Yakubu, as an ambassador to represent the country.
Epelle spoke on Monday during Channels Television’s breakfast programme, Sunrise Daily, where he criticised the political process behind such an appointment and questioned the judgment that informed the decision.
He insisted that such a move deepens public distrust, especially given the controversies surrounding Nigeria’s electoral process and the need to rebuild confidence in national institutions.
Epelle maintained that the decision to nominate Yakubu, coming so soon after his tenure at INEC, raised legitimate concerns and should have been approached with greater sensitivity to public sentiment.
“I don’t know who advised Mr. President about Mahmood, who happens to be—I don’t deny—a good friend of mine.
“I thought that Prof should have been relaxing, maybe in his country home or going back to the university to teach.
“I have no idea that he’s still interested in political office, but that’s up to him. But that’s one appointment that I take with a pinch of salt. I don’t think that the President was properly advised,” the rights advocate stated.
According to him, political appointments in Nigeria are often driven by a small circle of influencers around the President rather than by considerations of public perception or national interest.
“Remember that these appointments are made by cabals, just a handful of people that are very close to the President, who will advise him,” he added.
Credit: channelstv.com
