The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, led by Senator Abubakar Sani Bello, on Thursday concluded the screening of another batch of ambassadorial nominees reminding them that the committee session is merely the first hurdle before full confirmation by the Senate.
After hours of presentations and interactions, Senator Sani Bello announced the close of the exercise, noting that all nominees except one from Yobe State who was absent had faced the panel. He explained that the absent nominee would be allowed to meet with him privately to conclude the process.
The committee chairman made it clear that the familiar “take a bow” privilege granted to many nominees does not translate to automatic approval. “Taking a bow today does not guarantee clearance by the Senate until the entire chamber says so,” he warned.
The session featured a wide range of nominees, including career diplomats, political appointees, former ministers and ex-service chiefs. Those screened included Ambassador Ayo Luther Ogomode, Ambassador Wahab Akande, Ambassador Adam Umar Banko, Danlami Ibrahim, Reno Omokri, Senator Nora Ladi Daduut, Ambassador Mahmoud Lele Mohammed, Professor Isaac Adewole and Lt.-Gen. Abdurrahman Dambazau (rtd), among other former ambassadors and ministers.
Throughout the exercise, the committee repeatedly adopted motions allowing several serving and career diplomats to take a bow and exit, in line with standard practice.
By the final round of screening, the committee confirmed that no objections or petitions had been filed against any nominee. After brief inquiries, members affirmed unanimously that none existed.
With the committee phase now completed, all nominees await the decisive next step: formal consideration and confirmation by the full Senate during plenary. Senator Sani Bello emphasized once more that the committee’s work represents only half of the journey, and the ultimate decision lies with the entire Senate.
