The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, screened non-career ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu.
Among those who appeared before the committee were former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang, and former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Yakubu Mahmood.
After brief introductions, former ministers, ambassadors, and lawmakers were asked to “take a bow and leave,” in line with Senate tradition, citing their prior clearance by the Senate and extensive public service experience.
The nominees were questioned on their understanding of Nigeria’s foreign policy, bilateral relations, and strategies for advancing the country’s diplomatic and economic interests.
The committee, chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), is expected to complete its work and submit a report to the Senate for final consideration and confirmation of the nominees.
Their confirmation now awaits ratification by the full Senate.
PUNCH Online reports that the screening session followed the President’s submission of a list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29.
The President had urged the Senate to “expeditiously” clear the ambassadorial list in line with its constitutional mandate.
Tinubu said the nominees are being considered for career and non-career ambassadorial posts, with confirmed nominees to receive their diplomatic postings after Senate approval.
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