Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs Finally Clears Femi Fani-Kayode As Ambassador

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has cleared Ambassador-designate, former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode.

Naija News reports that Fani-Kayode was cleared after his appearance before the Senate.

Fani-Kayode, who is also a former Minister of culture, was given the ‘bow-and-go’ privilege.

It was gathered that during the screening, after a brief introductions, former ministers, ambassadors and lawmakers were asked to “take a bow and leave,” in line with Senate tradition.

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the continued use of the “bow and go” procedure for certain nominees, saying it is reserved for individuals with established and verifiable records of public service.

Speaking during the screening of non-career ambassadorial nominees, Bamidele explained that anyone who has previously served in the National Assembly automatically qualifies for the privilege,

He noted that their legislative history and public profile are already well known to lawmakers.

Recall that President Tinubu submitted a 32-member list of ambassadorial nominees to the Senate on November 29 for confirmation.

The list includes 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career appointees, who are expected to be posted to countries where Nigeria maintains diplomatic relations and to international organisations such as the United Nations.

The nominations attracted attention due to the inclusion of high-profile political figures. Notable names on the list include former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu, former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former presidential aide Reno Omokri, and Fani-Kayode.

Women also feature in the list, with four career diplomats and six non-career nominees.Read Full Original