The Federal Government’s list of 47 ambassadors has generated a lot of thoughts and questions, like – is no one from Plateau at a level to be appointed ambassador? Is Plateau being snubbed?

Well, ViewPointNigeria has spent time speaking to contacts in the Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs Abuja and has undertaken independent research – below are the findings:

Firstly, it is true that the list of 47 ambassadorial nominees has no Plateau indigene on it. Also, all those nominated are career diplomats – so does Plateau have people at that cadre or not? Here are our findings:

• Mr Gazing N Dangtim is currently the Charge d’Affaires of the Embassies of Austria and Slovakia (prior to this appointment, he was the Deputy Head of Missions). At such important position, Mr Dangtim is fully qualified to be appointed ambassador. See his profile at:

      http://www.nigeriaembassyvienna.com/embassy/Ambassador_Profile.aspx.

Charge d Affaires in the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the Republic of Austria and Slovakia, Mr Gazing J.N. Dangtim

Mr. Gazing .J.N. Dangtim, Charge d Affaires, being welcomed by Mag. Dr. Michaela Kohlweiss (Director of Police – Carinthia) on the occasion of his visit to Nigerian community in Klagenfurt, Carinthia.

Now, without knowing his antecedents and work ethic, it is difficult to argue that he should have definitely been appointed. It may be the case that there are reasons why he was not appointed, but the fallacy that no one from Plateau is qualified is untrue.

• Mr Apollos Katkuk – This gentleman is also an assistant director in the foreign affairs ministry, having held several lofty positions in chanceries around the world, like – Turkey (Counsel officer – 2004 – 2008)  and numerous African countries. At his position, he qualifies to be appointed Ambassador if it is strictly on merit.

• Based on discussion with contacts at the foreign affairs ministry, there are at least 4 suitably qualified Plateau citizens who are at Grade Level 16 or above, who succintly meet this criteria. A full list of these gentlemen will be provided on Monday 13th June

It is true that Mr. Danjuma Sheni, a  seasoned diplomat from Langtang LGA was appointed permanent secretary by President Muhammadu Buhari. Mr Sheni was the head of chancery at the Embassy in Brussel, Accra and numerous locations around the world. He is a currently the permanent secretary in the ministry of Defence and is doing remarkably well. See his admirable profile at: http://www.defence.gov.ng/index.php/the-ministry/hod?layout=edit&id=179&tmpl=component.

Mr Danjuma Sheni, Permanent secretary in the Ministry of Defense

In closing, Plateau is blessed with several distinguish gentlemen, doing incredibly well in all works of life (including the foreign affairs ministry). So we shouldn’t do ourselves a dis-service by blaming our people for under-achievement in foreign affairs (or other areas), just to justify the actions of politicians who are short-changing us.

Finally, note that it is customary that another list of ambassadorial nominees for (mostly politicians) will soon follow and we are confident that President Buhari will appoint someone from the state at the time. On that list perhaps, Plateau will have some representation.

Dr. Chinan Mclean

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Ambassadorial nominees: Is no one from Plateau truly qualified?