iDeemlawfulPresident Bola Tinubu has put forward another set of nominees for consideration as non-career ambassadors.
A statement released Thursday from the State House listed those selected, including the immediate past sole administrator of Rivers State and former naval chief, Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas.
Also nominated are former senator Ita Enang; former Imo State first lady, Chioma Ohakim; and former Minister of Interior and ex–chief of army staff, Abdulrahman Dambazau.
The President further included Senator Jimoh Ibrahim, Senator Nora Daduut, and Fatima Ajimobi, among others, for appointment as non-career ambassadors.
With this submission, the total number of ambassadorial nominees presented by President Tinubu has now risen to 68.
On Wednesday, the Senate screened and approved three ambassadorial candidates earlier forwarded by Tinubu, following a session lawmakers described as intensive and focused on national security and competency assessments.
Those endorsed by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs include former Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency and ex–Ambassador to the Commonwealth Secretariat, Ayo Oke; career diplomat and former Ambassador to South Korea, Amin Muhammad Dalhatu; and former Director-General of the State Security Service, Lateef Kayode Are.
A notable moment during the screening occurred when Oke responded to issues raised by Senators, particularly Seriake Dickson and Adams Oshiomhole.
He commended Dickson and Oshiomhole for highlighting matters he said were “already in the public domain.” Seeking the committee’s approval to address the concerns, Oke affirmed that he would avoid sensitive operational specifics but was willing to clarify essential points.
Addressing the disputed covert mission associated with his name, the nominee explained that the “clandestine operation” was authorised by two Presidents, adding that his actions were carried out solely in the interest of national security.
