Responding to the senator’s remarks, Yesufu said lawmakers should not see themselves as victims of the country’s security and political problems.

According to her, they have the authority and responsibility to influence decisions made at the national level.

She maintained that members of the National Assembly are responsible for approving and supporting government actions, adding that they should be held accountable for the direction the country is taking under the current administration.

She wrote: “Senators should stop infantilizing themselves! They are not victims. They are enablers of whatever evil Tinubu is carrying out in this country.

“They are the ones giving him the power to do all the shenanigans he is currently doing.”

The pioneer National Coordinator, Dr. Adigwe, transitions into this role with a background in health innovation, having previously served as the Director-General of the National Institute for Pharmaceutical Research and Development.

During his tenure, he led major technological interventions, including managing a ¥300 million Nanotechnology grant and an AFREXIMBank grant for the continent’s first Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients Training Facility.

He also spearheaded the roadmap for an €18 million European Union grant and gained global attention during the last pandemic by conducting the world’s first scientific analysis that disproved claims surrounding the Covid Organics preparation.

To ensure proper guidance and policy compliance, a steering committee has been set up to provide strategic oversight for the new office. The committee will be co-chaired by Professor Muhammad Ali Pate, the Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, and Mr. Olaniyi Yusuf, the Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group.

Other prominent members include the Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, the Special Adviser to the President on Technology and Digital Economy, and executive heads from the National Primary Health Care Development Agency, the National Health Insurance Authority, and the National Information Technology Development Agency, alongside six representatives of State Commissioners of Health from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

“The President expects NHTDAO to accelerate Nigeria’s transition to a secure, interoperable and data-driven health system that improves outcomes for all citizens, in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of his administration,” the statement added.

“Attached herewith is the nominee’s curriculum vitae.”

“Whilst I hope that the Senate will consider and confirm the nominee expeditiously, please accept distinguished Senate President and distinguished senators, the assurances of my highest consideration.”

Following the reading of the letter, Akpabio referred the nomination to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening and further legislative consideration.

The committee has been directed to carry out the necessary review and submit its report to the Senate within one week.

The nomination marks another move by the Tinubu administration in strengthening Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across strategic countries and international missions.

Non-career ambassadors are typically appointed from outside the regular foreign service and often bring experience from academia, governance, business, or other sectors.

Professor Fashina’s nomination is expected to undergo the usual screening process, where lawmakers will assess his qualifications, experience, and suitability for the role before a final confirmation vote.