Senate confirms ambassadors as lawmakers approve 64 nominees, including Fani-Kayode and Omokri, following Foreign Affairs Committee screening
The Senate has confirmed the nomination of former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, and 62 others as ambassadors.
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The confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which screened nominees submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Presenting the report, the committee chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), said all nominees were found suitable.
He said the assessment was based on qualifications, experience, conduct and knowledge of international diplomacy.
The exercise came about 48 hours after the Senate confirmed three non-career ambassadorial nominees.
They are Lateef Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State and Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.
Among those cleared on Thursday were former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau and former INEC chairman Mahmood Yakubu.
Others include former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, Senator Ita Enang and Senator Grace Bent.
In total, the list comprises 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners.
It also includes 30 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners, bringing the total to 64.
Notable career nominees include Sulu-Gambari Ahmed from Kwara State and Segun Ige and Odumah Ehinosen from Edo State.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the confirmed nominees.
He urged them to represent Nigeria positively in their respective postings.
Akpabio also appealed to Senator Ibrahim to maintain close ties with the National Assembly.
The confirmation followed earlier denials by the Senate of reports alleging petitions against some nominees.
Those reports had named Fani-Kayode, Omokri and a former INEC chairman.
The Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, said no petition was received from any individual or organisation.
He described claims of opposition to the nominees as unfounded.
Adaramodu also dismissed criticisms that nominees were merely asked to take a bow.
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He said the screening sessions involved robust engagement and questioning.
