Former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri alongside 62 other nominees have scaled the screening process of the Nigerian Senate.
Their confirmation followed the adoption of a report by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which stated that all the nominees were thoroughly screened and found qualified for diplomatic appointments.
The latest set of confirmations came barely 48 hours after the Senate confirmed three non-career ambassadors — Lateef Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Emmanuel Ayodele Oke (Oyo). This brings the total number of confirmed ambassadors to 67.
Other notable nominees cleared include former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau; former presidential aide, Ita Enang; former senator, Grace Bent; former INEC Chairman, Mahmood Yakubu; former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and former Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu.
According to the committee chairman, Senator Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), none of the nominees had any petition or formal complaint against them. He said the committee based its recommendation on the nominees’ experience, qualifications and conduct.
In his remarks, Senate President Godswill Akpabio congratulated the confirmed ambassadors and urged them to serve Nigeria with integrity while representing the country’s interests in their various postings.
The Senate also dismissed reports circulating on social media that petitions were submitted against some nominees.
Senate spokesperson, Senator Yemi Adaramodu, insisted that no petition was received and that the screening process was detailed and rigorous.
President Tinubu had forwarded the expanded list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on December 4, as part of efforts to fill vacant diplomatic positions and strengthen Nigeria’s foreign missions.
