Ambassadorial nominees: Senate panel screens Omokri, Ikpeazu, others

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday screened a set of non-career ambassadorial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu.

Those who appeared before the panel included former presidential aide Reno Omokri, former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu, former presidential adviser Senator Ita Enang, and former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Mahmood Yakubu.

Former ministers, ambassadors and lawmakers were asked to take a bow after brief introductions, a practice the committee said reflects their previous Senate clearance and years of public service.

Other nominees answered questions on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, bilateral relations and strategies for strengthening the country’s diplomatic and economic interests.

The committee, chaired by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), is expected to conclude its review and submit a report to the Senate for consideration.

Their confirmation now depends on approval by the full Senate.

The screening followed President Tinubu’s submission of 32 ambassadorial nominees on November 29, alongside a request for speedy confirmation.