Several high-profile ambassadorial nominees, including former Enugu Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Aviation Minister, Femi Fani-Kayode and Senator Grace Bent, appeared before the Senate on Wednesday for their screening.
Others present at the National Assembly included former Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Nora Daduut.
In line with Senate tradition, nominees with established public records were asked to briefly introduce themselves, “take a bow and leave,” a procedure defended by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele. He explained that it applies to individuals with verifiable histories of public service, including former legislators.
The screening follows President Bola Tinubu’s submission of a 32-person ambassadorial list on 29 November. The list includes 17 non-career and 15 career ambassadorial nominees, who are set to represent Nigeria in foreign countries and international organisations such as the United Nations.
The high-profile non-career nominees include: Femi Fani-Kayode, Mahmood Yakubu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Grace Bent, Chief Femi Pedro, Reno Omokri, and others.
The career ambassador nominees include Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu, Yakubu Nyaku Danladi, Miamuna Ibrahim Besto, and several others.
The nominations have drawn attention and sparked debate due to the inclusion of former political office-holders. The Senate will continue the screening process before confirming the nominees for their diplomatic postings.
