By Deborah Nnamdi
President Bola Tinubu has forwarded the names of three non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation, marking a significant step toward filling long-vacant diplomatic positions.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio read the President’s request during Wednesday’s plenary, announcing the nominees as Kayode Are from Ogun State, Aminu Dalhatu from Jigawa State, and Ayodele Oke from Oyo State.
Tinubu explained that the appointments were made pursuant to Section 171 (1), (2)(c), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and urged the Senate to consider and confirm the nominees “expeditiously.”
Akpabio, after reading the letter, noted that “the list contains three names for now,” adding that more nominations are expected.
He subsequently referred the nominees to the Senator Sani Bello–led Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, with a directive to report back to the chamber within one week.
The move comes amid ongoing criticism over the delay in appointing ambassadors since Tinubu assumed office in 2023.
