AMBASSEDOR POSTING LETTERS

Bianca, Maduekwe, others receive posting letters Ministry of Foreign Affairs has presented 85 out of the 88 new Nigerian Ambassadors their postings and letters of credence to the countries of their assignments. Bianca Ojukwu    The last batch, made up of three ambassadors, were expected to receive their letter by Monday night. The issuance of the letters represents the last stage of official release of the envoys to resume at their duty posts. Our correspondent learnt in Abuja on Monday that the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Olugbenga Ashiru, handed letters to each of the ambassadors after a one-on-one meeting which began on Saturday night. An official list of the posting was still being kept under wraps on Monday as officials of the ministry spoken to were unable to provide the document. However, it was learnt that former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Ojo Maduekwe, would be replacing Prof. Iyewese Hager in Canada. It was learnt that Bianca, widow of the late Biafra warlord, Chief Emeka Ojukwu who was earlier rumoured to be going to Ghana to replace Musiliu Obanikoro, might be on her way to Spain. A source at the ministry said, "The woman is still mourning and courtesy demands that she be allowed to mourn in peace. "If you have noticed, she has not attended any of the events held for her other colleagues. She will definitely be put through when she is ready to take up her assignment." Ashiru had informed the new ambassadors that their primary responsibility was the protection of Nigerians in their countries of posting