Several ambassadorial nominees, including Reno Omokri, Senator Grace Bent, and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, on Thursday, arrived at the National Assembly for their screening by the Senate.

Also seen at the complex were former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, immediate past INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Among those present were two former ministers, a former Chief of Army Staff, two serving ambassadors and several lawmakers.

Those sighted include Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Nora Daduut, among others.

After brief introductions, former ministers, ambassadors and lawmakers were asked to “take a bow and leave,” in line with Senate tradition.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the continued use of the “bow and go” procedure for certain nominees, saying it is reserved for individuals with established and verifiable records of public service.

Speaking during the screening of non-career ambassadorial nominees, Bamidele explained that anyone who has previously served in the National Assembly automatically qualifies for the privilege,

He noted that their legislative history and public profile are already well known to lawmakers.

Thursday’s screening follows President Bola Tinubu’s submission of a 32-person ambassadorial nominees’ list to the Senate for confirmation on November 29.

The list comprises 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career ambassadors.

According to the Presidency, the nominees will be posted to countries with which Nigeria maintains diplomatic relations, as well as international organisations such as the United Nations.

The list includes several high-profile political figures.

Four women appeared on the career ambassadors’ list, while six were listed as non-career nominees.

Since the nominations were announced, the list has generated calls for scrutiny. and criticism from some quarters, particularly over the inclusion of former political office-holders.

Full List of President Tinubu’s 32 Ambassadorial Nominees

Non-Career Ambassador Nominees (17)

Barr. Ogbonnaya Kalu – Abia

Reno Omokri – Delta

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu – Former INEC Chairman

Erelu Angela Adebayo – Former Ekiti First Lady

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi – Former Enugu Governor

Tasiu Musa Maigari – Former Speaker, Katsina State Assembly

Yakubu N. Gambo – Former Plateau Commissioner / Former UBEC Deputy Executive Secretary

Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut – Former Senator, Plateau

Otunba Femi Pedro – Former Lagos Deputy Governor

Chief Femi Fani-Kayode – Former Aviation Minister, Osun

Barr. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu – Anambra

Fatima Florence Ajimobi – Former Oyo First Lady

Lola Akande – Former Lagos Commissioner

Grace Bent – Former Senator, Adamawa

Victor Okezie Ikpeazu – Former Abia Governor

Senator Jimoh Ibrahim – Ondo

Amb. Paul Oga Adikwu – Former Ambassador to the Holy See, Benue

Career Ambassador Nominees (15)

Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu – Abia

Yakubu Nyaku Danladi – Taraba

Miamuna Ibrahim Besto – Adamawa

Musa Musa Abubakar – Kebbi

Syndoph Paebi Endoni – Bayelsa

Chima Geoffrey Lioma David – Ebonyi

Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim – Ogun

Abimbola Samuel Reuben – Ondo

Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah – Edo

Hamza Mohammed Salau – Niger

Amb. Shehu Barde – Katsina

Amb. Ahmed Mohammed Monguno – Borno

Amb. Muhammad Saidu Dahiru – Kaduna

Amb. Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari – Kwara

Amb. Wahab Adekola Akande – Osun (Channels)

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