President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees will face intense scrutiny at the Senate next week, as lawmakers promise a rigorous confirmation process to ensure only qualified and patriotic individuals are deployed to represent Nigeria abroad.
Three opposition senators, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told Punch that the screening would not be “business as usual,” stressing the need for capable envoys in view of Nigeria’s current challenges on the global stage.
A ranking senator said the nature of diplomatic appointments demands individuals with competence, integrity, and national interest at heart, not just political considerations.
The lawmaker said, “Our current situation requires seasoned and knowledgeable men and women who can represent and defend Nigeria’s interests before the international community.
“Ambassadorial position is not all about political patronage or job for the boys and this is why we would ensure that those who would represent Nigeria at the foreign missions are patriotic individuals who have integrity.”
Another senator added that each nominee would be “properly grilled” to ensure they are fit for the job.
The Senate, during plenary on Thursday, received President Tinubu’s request for confirmation of the nominees.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, read the President’s letter, which included two batches: 34 career ambassadors and high commissioners, and 31 non-career nominees.
The request followed an earlier batch of three nominees already being screened by the Senate.
Tinubu, citing Section 171 (1), (2), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution, urged the upper chamber to “consider and confirm expeditiously” the nominees.
Notable career diplomats on the list include Ambassadors Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara), Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno) and Maimuna Ibrahim (Adamawa). Prominent non-career nominees include former Chief of Naval Staff and ex-Rivers State military administrator, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.)from Cross River; former presidential aide and ex-senator, Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom); and former Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd.), from Kano.
Akpabio referred the list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs and directed the panel to complete the screening and submit its report within a week.
“The committee is to report back to us in one week,” the Senate President stated.
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