The Federal Ministry of Foreign Affairs has urged the public to disregard the widely circulated ambassadorial nominees list that went viral on social media.

According to the institution, the purported list is false and misleading.

Recall, that reports emerged former federal lawmaker, Senator Shehu Sani; ex-presidential aide, Reno Omokri; and former governors of Abia and Enugu States, Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi were among those nominated for ambassadorial appointments by the Nigerian government.

Fola Adeola, founder of Guaranty Trust Bank Plc; Femi Pedro; and Femi Fani-Kayode are also reportedly on the list.

It was learned that the nominees are currently being screened by the Department of State Services (DSS), and the final list will be made public soon.

However, in a statement, Acting Spokesperson of the Ministry, Kimiebi Imomotimi Ebienfa, clarified that the appointment of ambassadors remains the exclusive prerogative of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and that no official nominations have been made.

“Kindly disregard the frenzy about the ambassadorial list,” the statement read. “Be rest assured that, when it is ready, Mr. President will transmit the list of nominees to the National Assembly for screening and confirmation.”

The ministry assured Nigerians that the public will be duly informed through the appropriate channels once a legitimate list is finalized.

This clarification comes amid heightened public interest in Nigeria’s diplomatic representation, especially following the recall of all ambassadors in September 2023.