Nigerian ambassadorial nominees
Senate has confirmed all 64 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees, following the presentation of a report by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Chairing the committee, Senator Sani Bello, presented the findings which were subsequently adopted by the upper chamber.
During the session, Senator Sahabi Yau raised concerns over the absence of any nominee from Zamfara State. “We need to notify the President about this omission,” he said.
Senate President acknowledged the concern, emphasizing that the current list was not exhaustive. “We will raise this matter with the President. Additional nominations are expected, and Zamfara State will not be left out,” he assured lawmakers.
President Bola Tinubu had on December 4 forwarded a request to the Senate seeking confirmation for 65 ambassadorial nominees, including 34 career and 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners. The letter was read on the Senate floor by the Senate President.
The non-career nominees include some notable political figures such as former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, ex-Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
Other prominent names on the list are Senator Ita Enang, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chioma Ohakim, Bello Danbazau, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.), and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
The nominees were referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening before final confirmation. The current batch brings the total number of ambassadorial candidates before the Senate to 68, as three nominees — Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu, and Ayodele Oke — had already been screened and confirmed.
