A number of ambassadorial nominees, among them Reno Omokri, Senator Grace Bent and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, appeared before the Senate on Thursday for their screening at the National Assembly.
Also present at the complex were former Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi. The turnout included two former ministers, a former Chief of Army Staff, two currently serving ambassadors and several legislators. Those observed at the venue included Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Senator Ita Enang and Senator Nora Daduut, among others.
Following brief personal introductions, former ministers, ambassadors and former lawmakers were instructed to “take a bow and leave,” consistent with longstanding Senate convention. Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the continued reliance on the “bow and go” practice for specific nominees, explaining that it is reserved for people whose public records, experience and service history are already well established.
During the exercise for non-career ambassadorial nominees, Bamidele emphasized that anyone who has previously served in the National Assembly automatically qualifies for such recognition, noting that their legislative footprint is already familiar to those in the chamber.
Thursday’s screening comes after President Bola Tinubu forwarded a 32-person ambassadorial list to the Senate on November 29 for confirmation. The list features 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career nominees.
According to the Presidency, those selected will be assigned to represent Nigeria in countries with which the nation maintains diplomatic ties, as well as international bodies such as the United Nations.
Several figures with notable political backgrounds made the final list. Four women were listed among the career diplomats, while six appeared under the non-career category. Since the list was unveiled, it has generated scrutiny and debate, especially concerning the inclusion of individuals who previously held major political offices.
Rowdy Session During Reno Omokri’s Screening
The Senate witnessed a tense moment on Thursday during the consideration of ambassadorial nominee Reno Omokri.
The atmosphere shifted sharply as disagreements arose between two lawmakers over whether Omokri should be given the usual courtesy extended to certain nominees. Trouble began after a motion was moved recommending that Omokri and others be asked to take a bow and leave. Senator Ali Ndume insisted that the motion had to be seconded before any remarks could be made.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole strongly resisted this, arguing that he should be allowed to express his position before the motion was seconded.
He insisted that Omokri’s nomination could not simply be passed over, referencing what he called “raging issues in the public domain.” He attempted to elaborate, saying, “I think I need to speak on this in the public interest because we cannot pretend we have not heard the stories.”
Ndume continued to interrupt, maintaining that Senate rules required a seconder before any debate could proceed. The disagreement quickly escalated, leading to shouting across the chamber and harsh words exchanged between lawmakers. At a point, the tension degenerated into direct verbal attacks, prompting the presiding officer to intervene and restore order.
Once calm returned, Omokri was not asked any question. Senator Joel Onowakpo Thomas seconded the initial motion, ending the confrontation. The Senate subsequently upheld the motion, allowing all affected nominees, including Omokri, to take a bow and leave.
Thursday’s screening took place in continuation of President Bola Tinubu’s submission of the 32-member list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation on November 29.
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
What You Should Know
The Senate’s Thursday screening brought notable political figures and senior public officials together, drawing significant public interest due to the prominence of many nominees and the controversies surrounding some of their past roles.
The heated exchange over Reno Omokri’s nomination highlighted tensions within the chamber as lawmakers clashed over procedure and public perception. While long-standing traditions such as “take a bow and leave” were upheld, the process sparked renewed calls for deeper scrutiny of political appointees.
The 32-member nominee list—comprising both career diplomats and seasoned political actors—signals President Tinubu’s latest diplomatic strategy as Nigeria prepares to fill key foreign missions.
