The roles of chiefs of staff include acting as a confidant and advisor to their principals — the chief executive or presidents.
In that regard, they are expected to possess impeccable credentials and sound ability to generate sound ideas; working behind the scenes to solve problems, manage the flow of information in the interests of their principals.
Prof. Ibrahim Gambari, 75, a renowned diplomat, was appointed Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari, following the death the former Chief of Staff Abba Kyari and Gambari assumed office on May 13.
Observers note that the appointment is not new to Gambari because of his experience both in the country and elsewhere in academia, international diplomacy that resulted in his appointment as the first United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser to the Secretary-General on Africa between 1999 and 2005.
They also recall that as the founder of Savannah Centre for Diplomacy, Democracy and Development, a non-governmental think-tank on research, policy studies, advocacy and training on the nexus between conflict prevention and resolution, democratisation and development in Africa, he has a lot to offer in governance as an advisor.
Gambari also acknowledged this assessment, saying he was picked for the job because Buhari needs his competence and loyalty.
Gambari’s credentials notwithstanding, cynics insist that his appointment stimulates public concerns because some people could not comprehend some of his views on some development when he was at the helm in various capacities.
They allege that the international community treated Nigeria as pariah state following controversies over the execution of Nigerian activist Ken Saro-Wiwa during the administration of the late Head of State, Gen. Sani Abacha, when Gambari was Minister of Foreign Affairs.
But some Nigerians view Gambari as someone that is not known to celebrate controversy, who also seldom comments in the media; but who was always involved in deep thinking for the United Nations on how best to solve regional conflicts.
Dr Idowu Osunbor, an expert in International Relations says, any attempt to diminish the status attained by Gambari in the committee of nations would among to a wink in the dark.
“I have known Gambari for years, his choice as Chief of Staff to Buhari is a good choice, he will bring his wealth of experience to presidency.
“Gambari was the Nigeria’s spokesman during the execution of Ken Saro-Wiwa who was not part of the planning or the execution but whose job was to defend the government position.
“He took the heat for what he knows little or nothing about. That’s how dangerous the role of diplomats is,’’ he said.
Osunbor says that Gambari, who is not deep in politics, will attempt to change the narratives by bridging the existing gaps between the people and the presidency in governance.
“Gambari’s name rings bell at the international committee of nations or in the world stage as a diplomat per excellence and a statesman by all standard,’’ he observes
According to him, the present administration needs an experienced statesman like him to bring credibility to governance and nearer to the people.
Prof. Abubakar Saddiq, Gambari’s close associate in Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, also says “Gambari’s loyalty to Buhari has never been in doubt and; as experienced diplomat, he will be able to weather the political storm’’.
He observes that a statesman and a diplomat of Gambari’s credentials can lead Nigeria to the international stage and unlock the untapped potential of the country.
According to him, Gambari’s tenure as chief of staff to Buhari will make a lot of changes in governance, especially in advising the president on the need to solve some challenges among Nigerians.
Sharing similar sentiments, Dr Obot Duru, a diplomat and analyst, says “Gambari is not like average Nigerian politicians, he will rather, as a diplomat, gives you all the options to problems.
He notes that it is an opportunity for Nigeria to harness the experience and contacts that Gambari has gathered over the years for the development of the country.
Similarly, former National Chairman of All Progressives Adams Oshiomhole said that the appointment of Gambari was relevant to the present administration.
According to him, the world-renowned diplomat and celebrated scholar would bring a lot of value to the Buhari’s administration in terms of new ideas, leveraging his clout as a global player.
He observed that the new chief of staff is eminently qualified and very experienced in public service who had always espoused the values the values of democracy, patriotism, accountability and social justice.
“Nothing perhaps demonstrates this better than the fact that, after his last public outing, Prof. Gambari chose to set up a non-governmental organisation devoted entirely to the stimulation of fresh ideas to enrich good governance and promote democracy,” he said.
Observers, therefore, note that the appointment of Gambari could be seen in a different perspective to those that have not assessed how much he has contributed to global development and Nigeria in particular.
