Senate Clears Fani-Kayode, Dambazau as Ambassadors, Upholds "Bow-and-Go" Tradition

The Nigerian Senate has cleared former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode and retired Army General Abdulrahman Dambazau, a former Minister of Interior, as non-career ambassadors.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs gave both nominees the "bow-and-go" privilege during Thursday's screening session. This parliamentary tradition allows individuals with established records of public service, particularly former members of the National Assembly, to be approved after brief introductions without extensive questioning.

Defense of the Screening Process

Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the procedure, stating it is reserved for those with verifiable service histories whose profiles are already well-known to the lawmakers. "Anyone who has previously served in the National Assembly automatically qualifies for the privilege," Bamidele explained.

Context of the Nominations

The clearances are part of President Bola Tinubu's 32-member list of ambassadorial nominees submitted to the Senate on November 29. The list includes 15 career diplomats and 17 non-career appointees, featuring other notable figures such as former INEC Chairman Mahmood Yakubu and former governors Okezie Ikpeazu and Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

The approved nominees are expected to be posted to Nigerian diplomatic missions abroad and international organizations.

*Source: Naija News*

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