Senate Confirms 64 Ambassadorial Nominees, Including Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri

The Senate has confirmed the appointment of 64 nominees for career and non-career ambassadorial roles after reviewing a report submitted by the Committee on Foreign Affairs.

The confirmation followed the presentation of the committee’s findings by its chairman, Senator Sani Bello, after which the Senate adopted the recommendations.

During the session, Senator Sahabi Yau raised a concern over the absence of any nominee from Zamfara State on the list and called on the Senate to draw the President’s attention to the issue.

Responding to the observation, the Senate President Godswill Akpabio said the list under consideration was not final.

He assured lawmakers that more nominations would be forwarded and that Zamfara State would not be left out.

He also promised to take the matter up with the President.

President Bola Tinubu had earlier, on December 4, sent a request to the Senate seeking confirmation of 65 ambassadorial nominees.

The list included 34 career ambassadors and 31 non-career ambassadors and high commissioners.

The request was formally read during plenary by the Senate President.

Among the non-career nominees are several well-known figures, such as former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu; former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode; ex-Abia State Governor, Okezie Ikpeazu; and former presidential aide, Reno Omokri.

Others on the list include Senator Ita Enang; former Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; Chioma Ohakim; Bello Danbazau; retired Vice Admiral Ibok Ete; and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, among others.

The nominees were earlier referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening before the final confirmation.

With the latest approvals, the total number of ambassadorial nominees considered by the Senate rose to 68, following the earlier screening and confirmation of three nominees — Kayode Are, Aminu Dalhatu, and Ayodele Oke.

KanyiDaily recalls that President Bola Tinubu also nominated Dr. Bernard Doro from Plateau State to serve as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.