Senate Clears Fani-Kayode, Omokri, Ikpeazu, Ex-INEC Chair, Others for Ambassadorial Positions

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Thursday approved the nomination of former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, for appointment as ambassador, alongside several other high-profile nominees.

Also cleared were former Minister of Interior Abdulrahman Dambazau, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, Senator Ita Enang, Senator Grace Bent, former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, and former Abia State Governor Okezie Ikpeazu.

The screening exercise, conducted in batches of five nominees each, proceeded smoothly until a moment of mild drama unfolded during the appearance of Omokri’s group.

Senator Mohammed Ali Ndume had moved a motion for the nominees to “take a bow and go,” but several senators, including Adams Oshiomhole, indicated interest in raising comments before the motion was adopted.

The disagreement led to a brief exchange, with both lawmakers insisting on procedural correctness as the committee attempted to maintain order.

“My motion should be seconded first before any further comment is entertained. We must follow our rules and avoid unnecessary deviations,” Ndume insisted.

“I was recognised to speak by the Chairman, and due process must also be respected. We cannot allow procedural shortcuts during a confirmation of this magnitude,” Oshiomhole countered.

Calm was eventually restored, allowing the committee to conclude the screening and clear all nominees for ambassadorial appointment.