The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday cleared former presidential aide, Reno Omokri, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former presidential aide Senator Ita Enang, and former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu.
During the session held at the National Assembly complex, the lawmakers had questioned the nominees on Nigeria’s foreign policy priorities, bilateral engagements, and strategies for strengthening the nation’s diplomatic and economic relations.
The Committee chairman, Senator Abubakar Sani Bello (APC, Niger North), reiterated the Senate’s constitutional responsibility to thoroughly vet all nominees before confirmation.
Bello noted that the panel would complete its work and submit a report to the Senate for final consideration.
Meanwhile, several nominees, including former ministers, ambassadors, and lawmakers, were asked to “take a bow and leave,” with senators citing their prior clearance and existing familiarity with their credentials.
The nominees’ confirmation now awaits debate and ratification by the full Senate.
The screening session followed President Tinubu’s transmission of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29, urging lawmakers to “expeditiously” confirm the list to enable timely assignment of diplomatic postings.
The nominees comprise both career and non-career candidates.
However, Omokri’s appearance before the Senate committee came amid public controversy surrounding his nomination.
Critics, including some of the lawmakers, civil society groups, and some political commentators, had questioned his suitability, citing his history as a fierce critic of multiple administrations and his frequent and consistent social media posts before the 2023 elections, calling President Bola Tinubu a drug trafficker.
Some groups had also accused him of pushing divisive narratives online, especially against the South-East region of Nigeria.
Omokri, however, has repeatedly defended his record, claiming that his advocacy has always been driven by “patriotism” and “a desire for accountability.”
Despite the criticism, Omokri received the same treatment as other nominees during the screening, offering a brief introduction before being screened.
The Senate is expected to decide on his nomination, along with the others, when the committee submits its report for plenary consideration.
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