(Apples Bite Magazine) ABUJA — The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has cleared former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-Interior Minister Abdulrahman Dambazau, and former presidential aide Reno Omokri for ambassadorial appointments following a screening session on Thursday.
The committee’s approval represents a significant step in their confirmation process, though final ratification remains pending. The nominees must still receive formal confirmation from the full Senate sitting in a committee of the whole, which is expected to take place next week.
Both Fani-Kayode and Dambazau sailed through the screening process smoothly, benefiting from their previous experience with Senate confirmation hearings for ministerial positions at different points in their careers.
The majority of nominees were accorded the “bow and go” courtesy after brief introductions, with Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele facilitating the proceedings. Bamidele explained that this expedited process is a Senate tradition reserved for “individuals with established and verifiable records of public service.”
According to Senate protocol, the “bow and go” privilege is automatically extended to individuals who have previously served as lawmakers in either the Senate or House of Representatives. Bamidele noted that the profiles and service records of such former public office holders and federal legislators are already well-documented and known to the public.
The screening session proceeded without major obstacles, with the committee demonstrating confidence in the nominees’ qualifications and experience for diplomatic service.
Once confirmed by the full Senate, the ambassador-designates will be ready for deployment to their respective diplomatic postings, representing Nigeria’s interests abroad.
Madukwe B. Nwabuisi is an accomplished journalist renown for his fearless reporting style and extensive expertise in the field. He is an investigative journalist, who has established himself as a kamikaze reporter.
