The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, screened two former ministers, Femi Fani-Kayode and Abdulrahman Dambazau, for ambassadorial appointments. Both nominees, who previously served as Minister of Aviation and Minister of Interior, respectively, had earlier undergone full Senate screening during their ministerial confirmations in past administrations.

Other Nominees screened by the Committee included former INEC Chairman, Yakub Mahmood, and Wife of the Late Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi, Florence Ajimobi, and Reno Omokri among others. After brief introductions, former ministers, ambassadors and lawmakers were asked to take a bow and leave, in line with Senate tradition and citing their earlier clearance by the Senate and their extensive public service experience.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the continued use of the take a bow and go procedure for certain nominees, saying it is reserved for individuals with established and verifiable records of public service. Senators Mohammed Ali Ndume and Adams Oshiomhole openly disagreed on how his clearance should proceed

After Omokri’s batch had introduced themselves, Ndume moved a motion to allow the nominees to take a bow and leave. Some senators, including Oshiomhole, indicated they wanted to comment. The Committee Chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, recognized Oshiomhole to speak, but Ndume insisted that his motion should be seconded before allowing further intervention. Their confirmation now awaits ratification by the Senate in Plenary. Lere Olayinka Confirmed It but He Is Not His Spokesperson