Two senators, Ireti Kingibe (FCT) and Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara-North) protested on the floor of the Senate on Thursday over the exclusion of their jurisdictions from the list of ambassadorial nominees as the Senate confirmed the appointment of 64 nominees.
No names appeared from the FCT and Zamfara state among the nominees, broken into 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career ambassadors.
Raising Constitutional Order 14(3), the Zamfara senator observed that President Bola Tinubu’s nominations did not reflect federal character, arguing that on grounds of fairness, each part of the country should be represented.
He noted that while some states appeared on the categories of career ambassadors and non-career ambassadors, Zamfara did not get a mention at all.
“The appointments did not reflect federal character,” he said.
“Our loyalty to the federal government and to Mr President is intact. To my dismay I couldn’t find Zamfara State on the list while other states have up to two.”
Ya’u said he hoped the exclusion was an oversight by those who compiled the names for Tinubu to sign.
“I want us to draw his attention to the fact that Zamfara is not on the list. We need at least three nominees as compensation for this exclusion,” he added.
Kingibe, who also rose to complain, reminded the Senate that the FCT had always been on previous lists.
She said it was surprising that this time round, no nomination came from the seat of power.
President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, who presides over the session, calmed both lawmakers by assuring them their complaints would be brought to Tinubu’s attention immediately.
“The list is not exhaustive. Another list is coming and Zamfara state can’t be left out and will not be left out”, Akpabio stated.
He also assured Kingibe too that the FCT would not be left out.
Among the career ambassadors were Arewa Esther (Oyo State); Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola (Ogun); Ramat Omonbolale (Lagos); Monica Okechukwu Enebechi (Anambra); Adams Jane Basset (Cross River); Mohammed Lele (Bauchi); Muhammad Dahiru (Kaduna).
Those on the list of non-career included Ajimobi Florence (Oyo); Sulola Akande (Oyo); Uguwanyi Ifeanyi (Enugu); Ita Enang (Akwa Ibom); Femi Fani-Kayode (Osun); Jerry Manwe (Taraba); Reno Omokri (Delta); Ibas Ibok-Ette (Cross River); Abdulrahman Dambazzau (Kano); and Abas Braimah (Edo).
The Senate earlier confirmed three other non-career ambassadors, bringing to the total number of confirmed nominees to 67.
The first three were Kayode Aare (Ogun); Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa); and Ayodele Oke (Oyo).
Akpabio, while congratulating the nominees, spoke about the ephemeral nature of life, urging them to serve Nigeria to the best of their abilities.
He expressed happiness over the nomination of Mrs Florence Ajimobi, the widow to late Governor of Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi.
“I am very happy that Mr President has recognised the family of Ajimobi of Oyo State, who was a governor like me”, he stated.
“The Senate is still in a mourning mood. While you are breathing and have the opportunity, give your best to your country.
“From now, we are going to have a voice internationally in all the countries where these ambassadors will be deployed.”