The Senate has screened the former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, and ex-Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, telling them to “take a bow and go” during the ambassadorial screening on Thursday.
Some of the ambassador designates were spotted at the National Assembly, including former presidential spokesperson Reno Omokri and ex-governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Also seen at the complex were immediate past INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and former Enugu State Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.
Among those present were two former ministers, two serving ambassadors and several lawmakers.
Those sighted include Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, Senator Ita Enang, and Senator Nora Daduut, among others.
After 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, noting that their legislative history and public profile are already well known to lawmakers.
Thursday’s screening follows President Bola Tinubu’s submission of a 32-person ambassadorial nominees’ list to the Senate for confirmation on November 29.
