Senate committee screens Fani-Kayode, Dambazau as ambassador-designates

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, on Thursday, screened two former
ministers, Femi Fani-Kayode and Abdulrahman Dambazau, for ambassadorial
appointments.

Both nominees, who previously served as Minister of Aviation and Minister of
Interior, respectively, had earlier undergone full Senate screening during their
ministerial confirmations in past administrations.

After brief introductions, former ministers, ambassadors and lawmakers were
asked to “take a bow and leave,” in line with Senate tradition and citing their
earlier clearance by the Senate and their extensive public service experience.

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

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.

Their confirmation now awaits ratification by the full Senate.
The screening session followed President Bola Tinubu’s submission of a list of 32
ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for confirmation on November 29.