By Peter Omopo
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday approved the appointment of several prominent Nigerians for ambassadorial positions, including former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and former presidential aide Reno Omokri.
Others cleared by the committee include former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau; ex-presidential adviser Senator Ita Enang; and former lawmaker Senator Grace Bent.
Also confirmed for ambassadorial postings were former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu; former Enugu State governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; former Abia State governor Okezie Ikpeazu; and several other nominees.
Drama as senators clash during screening
The committee’s screening session—held in batches of five nominees—briefly descended into drama during the appearance of Reno Omokri’s group.
After the nominees introduced themselves, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume moved a motion for all five to “take a bow and go,” a tradition often used to fast-track the clearance of former lawmakers and certain categories of nominees.
But some senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, indicated interest in making remarks before the motion was adopted.
When Committee Chairman Senator Abubakar Sani Bello recognized Oshiomhole to speak, Ndume objected, arguing that his motion must first be seconded before any further contributions could be entertained.
This sparked a sharp exchange between Ndume and Oshiomhole, momentarily disrupting proceedings before the committee restored order and continued with the screening.
The cleared nominees are expected to be presented to the full Senate for confirmation.
