Nigeria, Feb. 6 -- The presidency has described the ambassadorial nomination of the immediate past service chiefs as reward for "hard work and exceptional sacrifice."

This was contained in a statement by presidential spokesperson, Garba Shehu, on Sunday. Mr Shehu also criticised the main opposition party, PDP, for calling for the prosecution of the retired military chiefs.

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Thursday, forwarded the names of Gabriel Olonisakin, former chief of defence staff; Tukur Buratai, former chief of army staff; Abubakar Sadique, former chief of air staff and Ibok Ibas, former chief of naval staff, to the senate for confirmation.

Their nomination comes about one week after they resigned from service and their replacemen...