The Senate has clarified that it has not yet received any formal petitions against the recent list of nominees for ambassadorial positions.
In an interview with Sunday Punch, Senate spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, explained that while there have been public concerns regarding the nominees, the Senate can only act on written petitions submitted through the proper channels.
He noted that the screening process had been referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which has one week to complete its review and report back.
“As of now, we have not received any petition against any nominee. The list was just read today (Thursday). If there is going to be any petition, we believe the committee will pass it to the Senate,” Adaramodu said.
Adaramodu emphasized that the committee’s screening of the nominees is only the first step in the process. After the committee completes its review, the full Senate will have the opportunity to question each nominee before taking a final decision.
He further added that the Senate retains the power to reject any nominee who is deemed unfit for the role following the committee’s findings.
“After the committee screening, the committee will present its report to plenary, and then the whole Senate will consider the report. At the committee level, the nominees’ screening is not final. The Senate, at the larger house, has the power to uphold, reject, or amend the committee’s findings,” he explained.
Adaramodu reiterated that the Senate would not hesitate to act on any credible allegations or petitions brought against any nominee.
“It is the duty of the committee of the whole, led by the Senate President as chairman, to uphold, reject, or sustain the committee on Foreign Affairs’ report,” he concluded.
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