Tinubu writes Senate, seeks Omokri, Fani-Kayode, others’ confirmation

President Bola Tinubu. Photo: State House

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President Bola Tinubu on Thursday transmitted a fresh batch of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.

The request came barely 24 hours after the upper chamber began screening an earlier set of three ambassadorial nominees.

The President’s letter was read at plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, who said Tinubu asked lawmakers to give the nominations urgent consideration.

In the correspondence, Tinubu urged the Senate to “consider and confirm expeditiously” 15 career ambassadors and 17 non-career ambassadors.

“I am pleased to present for confirmation the list of the 32 ambassadorial nominees for the positions of career ambassadors, non-career ambassadors and high commissioners,” the letter partly stated.

The latest list features four women among the career nominees and six women on the non-career list, reflecting the administration’s gradual move toward gender balance in foreign postings.

Among the 17 non-career nominees are notable political figures such as Reno Omokri, former presidential aide; Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Lagos deputy governor; Otunba Femi Pedro, former Aviation Minister; Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi; and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, among others.

NON-CAREER NOMINEES

1. Ogbonnaya Kalu (Abia)

2. Reno Omokri (Delta)

3. Prof. Mahmood Yakubu (Bauchi)

4. Erelu Bisi Angela Adebayo (Ekiti)

5. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (Enugu)

6. Tasiu Musa Maigari (Katsina)

7. Yakubu N. Gambo (Plateau)

8. Prof. Nora Ladi Daduut (Plateau)

9. Otunba Femi Pedro (Lagos)

10. Chief Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun)

11. Barr. Nkechi Linda Ufochukwu (Anambra)

12. Fatima Florence Ajimobi (Oyo)

13. Lola Akande (Lagos)

14. Grace Bent (Adamawa)

15. Dr Victor Okezie Ikpeazu (Abia)

16. Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo)

17. Ambassador Paul Oga Adikwu (Benue)

CAREER NOMINEES

1. Enebechi Monica Okwuchukwu (Abia)

2. Yakubu Nyaku Danladi (Taraba)

3. Miamuna Ibrahim Besto (Adamawa)

4. Musa Musa Abubakar (Kebbi)

5. Syndoph Paebi Endoni (Bayelsa)

6. Chima Geoffrey Lioma David (Ebonyi)

7. Mopelola Adeola-Ibrahim (Ogun)

8. Abimbola Samuel Reuben (Ondo)

9. Yvonne Ehinosen Odumah (Edo)

10. Hamza Mohammed Salau (Niger)

11. Ambassador Shehu Barde (Katsina)

12. Ambassador Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno)

13. Ambassador Muhammad Saidu Dahiru (Kaduna)

14. Ambassador Olatunji Ahmed Sulu Gambari (Kwara)

15. Ambassador Wahab Adekola Akande (Osun)

After unveiling the nominees, Akpabio referred the list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening, with a directive that it return its report within one week.

“The committee is to report back to us in one week,” he added.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs had on Wednesday commenced the screening of an initial set of three ambassadorial nominees transmitted earlier by Tinubu.

The President had, in a letter read last week by Akpabio, sought the confirmation of Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Ayodele Oke (Oyo).

The early transmission of the first three names—before the larger batch announced on Thursday—was seen as part of the administration’s phased approach to filling strategic diplomatic roles.

The nominees appeared before the committee chaired by former Niger State governor, Senator Sani Bello. According to Bello, Ayodele Oke used the session to address and clear allegations previously raised against him.

The committee’s report on the screening of the three nominees is expected to be presented to the full Senate for consideration and possible confirmation in the coming days, even as lawmakers begin work on the newly submitted list.

The PUNCH journalist, Adebayo, has over 20 years of experience covering politics, health, metro, entertainment and properties

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