Senate Screening of Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees Hits Minor Drama
A routine Senate vetting of President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominees on Wednesday took an unexpected turn during the session, which featured both career and non-career diplomats from across Nigeria.
The session momentarily turned awkward when Emmanuel Adeyemi, a career nominee from Ekiti State and deputy director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stumbled while naming all three senators from his home state. Adeyemi—who holds a PhD and has served in Hong Kong and France—was praised for his international experience but faltered while acknowledging state lawmakers.
He correctly mentioned Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu but initially omitted Senator Cyril Fasuyi. As a member of his delegation scrambled online to confirm the name, committee members frowned at the lapse.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) described the mistake as concerning, noting that nominees expected to represent Nigeria abroad must demonstrate competence and awareness. Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson joined the criticism, while Senator Yunus Akintunde—standing in for Bamidele—urged the panel to overlook the slip.
Adeyemi is one of three ambassadorial nominees from Ekiti, alongside Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.
Beyond the Ekiti incident, the committee also screened several other career diplomats, including Ahmed Sulu Gambari, Maimuna Besto, Monica Enebechi, Ahmed Monguno, Kingsley Onaga, Magaji Umar, and Aminu Nasir.
The proceedings also featured a surprise appearance from former Ondo governorship aspirant Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, who was invited to make a brief appearance before leaving, despite not being scheduled.
The screenings follow President Tinubu’s request last week for Senate confirmation of 65 ambassadorial nominees, pursuant to Sections 171 (1), (2), and (4) of the 1999 Constitution. The list includes seasoned envoys such as Sulu-Gambari Olatunji Ahmed (Kwara), Ahmed Mohammed Monguno (Borno), and Maimuna Ibrahim (Adamawa), alongside political appointees like former presidential aide Ita Enang, ex-Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (retd.), and former Army Chief Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (retd.).
Senate President Godswill Akpabio has tasked the Foreign Affairs Committee to conclude the screening and submit its report within one week.
Wednesday’s session marked the second phase of the exercise. Earlier, Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Ayodele Oke (Oyo) had appeared before the committee, with Oke addressing longstanding allegations during his appearance.
According to insiders, the staggered screenings are part of broader efforts to restructure Nigeria’s foreign service ahead of anticipated changes in diplomatic missions worldwide.
