By Passman Akpos
Abuja — The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday screened several high-profile ambassadorial nominees, including former presidential aides Reno Omokri and Senator Ita Enang, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
During the session at the National Assembly complex, lawmakers probed the nominees on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, bilateral engagements, and strategies to strengthen the nation’s diplomatic and economic relations.
Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), Chairman of the Committee, emphasized the Senate’s constitutional duty to vet all nominees thoroughly before confirmation. He assured that the panel would complete its work and submit a report for final consideration by the full Senate.
Meanwhile, several other nominees, including former ministers, ambassadors, and lawmakers, were asked to “take a bow and leave,” as senators cited prior clearance and existing familiarity with their credentials. The confirmation of all nominees now awaits debate and ratification by the full Senate.
The screening follows President Bola Tinubu’s transmission of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29, with a request for “expeditious” confirmation to facilitate timely diplomatic postings. The list includes both career and non-career candidates.
Omokri’s nomination has sparked public controversy. Critics, including lawmakers, civil society groups, and political commentators, questioned his suitability, highlighting his past as a vocal critic of multiple administrations and his social media posts before the 2023 elections that accused Tinubu of drug-related activities. Some also accused him of promoting divisive narratives online, particularly against the South-East region.
Omokri defended his record, insisting that his actions were driven by “patriotism” and a commitment to accountability. During the screening, he received the same procedural treatment as other nominees, providing a brief introduction before questioning.
The Senate is expected to decide on Omokri’s nomination along with the others once the Committee submits its report for plenary consideration.
