Amanze Chinonye
President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees faced minimal scrutiny as they appeared before the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday, with most allowed to “take a bow and go,” according to Prime Business Africa.
The session, which marked the third day of the Senate’s review of the president’s diplomatic picks, cleared several high-profile figures without substantive questioning, prompting both applause for efficiency and criticism over procedural leniency.
Among those swiftly endorsed were former ministers Femi Fani-Kayode (Aviation) and Abdulrahman Dambazau (Interior), former governors Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia) and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu), ex-INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, Senators Ita Enang, Grace Bent, Nora Daduut, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri. Career ambassadors, including Ahmed Gambari, Maimuna Besto, Monica Enebechi, Ahmed Monguno, Kingsley Onaga, Magaji Umar, and Aminu Nasir, had already been cleared in earlier sessions.
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The so-called “take a bow and go” practice, long used by the Senate for nominees with extensive public service, allows individuals to bypass extensive questioning. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the approach, noting that nominees who have previously served in the National Assembly or held significant public office have well-documented records, making extensive vetting redundant.
The screening session was not without conflict. During Omokri’s appearance, Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Ali Ndume clashed over whether he should be subjected to deeper scrutiny. Oshiomhole argued for caution, citing public controversies surrounding the nominee, while Ndume insisted the procedure should follow the committee’s standard motion. After a tense exchange, Omokri was ultimately cleared under the customary Senate procedure.
Critics, however, see the rapid clearances as a cause for concern. The African Democratic Congress (ADC) warned that the leniency could compromise Nigeria’s international reputation, noting that some nominees might not meet foreign diplomatic standards if subjected to stricter vetting abroad.
ADC National Publicity Secretary Bolaji Abdullahi argued that the process prioritises political expediency over national interest.
Echoing these concerns, Dr. Josef Onoh, former spokesman of President Tinubu in the South-East, described Omokri’s clearance as a “blow to the integrity of Nigeria’s democratic institutions,” warning that such gestures risk diminishing the credibility of the Senate and the country’s diplomatic corps.
While the committee has forwarded its recommendations, final confirmation rests with the full Senate, which will review the nominees in plenary before official appointments are finalised.
Analysts cited by Prime Business Africa say the episode underscores ongoing debate over how best to balance legislative efficiency with rigorous oversight in Nigeria’s ambassadorial selection process.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
