Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday approved a fresh batch of ambassadorial nominees, including former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, signalling the final stage of their deployment to foreign missions.
The committee also cleared former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau; ex-presidential aide and social commentator, Reno Omokri; former Special Adviser Senator Ita Enang; and Senator Grace Bent, alongside several high-profile technocrats and former governors such as ex-INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State and Abia’s former governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu.
The screening, conducted in groups of five, unfolded smoothly until Omokri’s appearance triggered a moment of tension on the committee floor. After Omokri and his batch completed their introductions, Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume moved a motion for the nominees to “take a bow and go,” signalling the end of their session.
But other lawmakers, led by Senator Adams Oshiomhole, signalled a desire to comment before any motion was adopted. Committee chairman Senator Abubakar Sani Bello recognised Oshiomhole, prompting Ndume to object, insisting his initial motion must first be seconded. The exchange sparked a brief but sharp disagreement, reflecting broader undercurrents within the Senate before the committee eventually proceeded with the confirmations.
