President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees had a smooth passage at the Senate on Thursday, with most being cleared without questions, in a process widely described as “take a bow and go.”
The nominees, which include former senators, House of Representatives members, ex-governors, ministers, career ambassadors, and former first ladies, faced minimal scrutiny as the screening of ambassadorial appointments entered its third day.
Following initial logistical challenges due to overcrowding in the hearing room, the exercise resumed at a new venue, allowing the Senate screening committee to attend to nominees efficiently. Former governors Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu, as well as former first ladies and career ambassadors, were cleared swiftly.
However, the screening of former Presidential aide Reno Omokri sparked a brief clash between Senators Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) and Ali Ndume (APC, Borno South). While Ndume pushed for Omokri’s quick clearance, Oshiomhole insisted on addressing the public interest regarding the nominee. After a heated exchange, Omokri was eventually cleared to “take a bow and go.”
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Senator Sani Bello, chairman of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, also screened former ministers Femi Fani-Kayode and Abdulrahman Dambazau, both of whom were cleared without questions, citing their previous ministerial confirmations.
Other notable nominees cleared during the session included Senator Ita Enang, Senator Grace Bent, Senator Nora Daduut, Vice Admiral Ibokette Ibas (retd), Erelu Angela Adebayo (Ekiti), Florence Ajimobi (Oyo), and Mrs. Chioma Ohakim.
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The screening continues, with the Senate expected to conclude its deliberations in the coming days.
