Senate approves 64 career, non-career ambassadorial nominees
The Nigerian Senate has confirmed all 64 career and non-career ambassadorial nominees presented before it, following the adoption of a report submitted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs.
The report, delivered by committee chairman Senator Sani Bello, received unanimous approval on Thursday. However, the session was briefly interrupted when Senator Sahabi Yau raised an objection, drawing attention to the absence of any nominee from Zamfara State.
He urged the Senate to notify President Bola Tinubu of the omission. Responding, Senate President Godswill Akpabio acknowledged the concern, stressing that the current list was incomplete and that additional names were expected. He assured senators that Zamfara State would not be left out when the next batch of nominees arrives.
President Tinubu had earlier, on December 4, forwarded 65 nominees for ambassadorial positions to the upper chamber, consisting of 34 career and 31 non-career diplomats and high commissioners.
Among the non-career nominees are several notable political figures: former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu; former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode; ex-Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu; and former presidential aide Reno Omokri. Others include Senator Ita Enang, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, Chioma Ohakim, Bello Danbazau, Vice Admiral Ibok Ete (retd.), and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
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The new list raised 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.
Despite the confirmations, reactions have trailed the selections. Critics questioned the inclusion of some nominees, particularly Mahmood Yakubu. Former Foreign Affairs permanent secretary Joe Keshi argued some candidates have no business in the diplomatic field “by any standard.”
Similarly, Nigerian Bar Association President Afam Osigwe faulted the Senate’s “bow and go” method of screening, describing it as insufficient for such sensitive positions.
However, Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Protocol, Ademola Oshodi, defended the nominations, insisting that the President selected the best individuals for Nigeria’s diplomatic interests.
“This is the best the President has seen for his administration and for the nation,” Oshodi stated. “Whether critics agree or not, the President has the discretion. What matters is the outcome of their service.
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