2 days ago
3 ARTICLE AD
Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro.
A group known as the De Renaissance Patriots Foundation has opposed the reported consideration of former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Femi Pedro, for an ambassadorial position meant to represent Lagos State.
In a statement released on Sunday by its media office, the foundation raised concerns over Pedro’s eligibility for the position, emphasising that he is not an indigene of Lagos State, despite having served as the deputy governor in the past.
The group criticised the ongoing practice of appointing non-indigenes to positions meant for Lagos, which it argued undermines the state’s constitutional rights and the interests of its indigenous people.
The statement read, “It has come to our attention that Femi Pedro is being considered for appointment as an Ambassador representing Lagos State. We strongly oppose this move and urge all well-meaning Lagosians to speak out against it before the appointment is finalised.
“Femi Pedro is not an indigene of Lagos State, regardless of him being ‘appointed’ once as Deputy Governor for whatever reason, favouring the party, and as such should not be presented as a representative of our state in any national or international capacity.
“The continued use of Lagos State’s constitutional quota for non-indigenes is both unjust and unacceptable. We must not allow a repeat of what happened with the recent ministerial appointment, where the true sons and daughters of Lagos State were sidelined in favour of outsiders.”
The foundation stressed that the ambassadorial position is a significant platform that should reflect the voice and heritage of Lagosians.
It contended that Lagos deserves authentic representation at all levels of government, particularly in roles that directly serve the state’s cultural and political aspirations.
The group also pointed to the recent ministerial appointment, which it claimed saw the sidelining of indigenous Lagosians in favour of outsiders, reinforcing their concerns about the marginalisation of the state’s true sons and daughters.
The De Renaissance Patriots Foundation called on political leaders, traditional rulers, community groups, and all concerned citizens to defend the rights of Lagos indigenes.
It urged that Lagos State’s constitutional quota be strictly reserved for qualified indigenes who are deeply connected to the state’s values, culture, and needs.
The group added, “The ambassadorship is a critical platform that should reflect the voice, interest and heritage of Lagos State and its indigenous people. We deserve authentic representation at all levels of government, particularly in appointments that are meant to serve the interests of our state.
“We call on all Lagos-based political leaders, traditional rulers, community associations, and concerned citizens to rise in defence of our rights. We must demand that the Lagos State quota is reserved strictly for qualified indigenes who have lived the Lagos experience and can genuinely represent our culture, values and aspirations.
“This is not just about one nomination; it is about preserving the dignity, identity and rightful place of Lagosians in the national landscape.”
In its final appeal, the foundation urged the Department of State Services and other authorities involved in the screening of ambassadorial nominees to reject Pedro’s nomination, reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the identity and dignity of the people of Lagos.
“Let it be known — we will not remain silent anymore while our state is continually being shortchanged because of political expediency and gerrymandering by those who are determined to keep the indigenes of the state in perpetual servitude in order to achieve their political objectives.
“To this end, we call to the Department of State Services and others involved in the screening of nominees for ambassadorial positions not to screen or confirm Femi Pedro because he is not an indigene of Lagos State,” the statement added.
The Federal Government is currently reviewing potential candidates for diplomatic positions across its 109 missions, 76 embassies, 22 high commissions, and 11 global consulates, according to Sunday PUNCH.
Reliable sources close to the process have disclosed that former Aviation Minister under the Obasanjo administration, Mr. Femi Fani-Kayode, and Pedro are among the nominees.
Sunday PUNCH also learned that the vetting process is not being handled centrally; instead, nominees are instructed to report to the nearest DSS office for their evaluations.
