It took a long time in coming, but yesterday, the Nigerian Senate did the right thing by confirming Ade Adefuye, a professor of history and former envoy to Kingston and London as Nigeria's substantive ambassador to Washington. He replaces Brigadier Oluwole Rotimi (Rtd) who was recalled in February 2009.
The Senate could have done this since the first week of November 2009 when his name was forwarded to them, but though the wheels moved slowly, Nigeria is now able to send a well respected and competent man to handle one of her most important foreign postings especially in light of present realities. The major one of whch is the souring of relations between Washington and Abuja over the failed Chrsitmas day bombing and the subsequent inclusion of Nigeria on a list of countries linked to terrorism.
The experienced New York based Guardian columnist, Sonala Olumhense describes him as "an excellent man" and I agree. His track record suggests he will do a good job.
[photo above shows Prof Adefuye (2nd from right) meeting HM the Queen at Buckingham Palace on 16 Nov 2006] [credit: Linford A]
