No Petitions Received!’ — Senate Responds To Controversy Over Tinubu’s Ambassadorial Nominees

The Senate on Thursday dismissed reports suggesting that it had received petitions or protest letters against any of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees currently under screening.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The clarification came amid unverified claims circulating in political circles and on social media, alleging that some nominees—including former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, ex-presidential aide Reno Omokri, and former INEC Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu—were facing opposition ahead of their confirmation.

Senate spokesperson Senator Yemi Adaramodu told Punch that the upper chamber had not received any formal complaints.

“I am telling you that we didn’t receive petitions from anybody, organisation or legal entity. Not even from any faceless, outlawed, or rogue element. There was no petition against any nominee,” he said when asked specifically about the alleged protest letters.

The ambassadorial screening, conducted by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, entered its second day on Thursday, with several high-profile nominees appearing before lawmakers.

The exercise has attracted heightened public interest, particularly amid controversies surrounding some nominees’ political backgrounds and perceived eligibility.

Providing an update on the screening process, Adaramodu noted that more than half of the nominees had already been examined.

“So far, within the last one and a half days, they have screened more than half. Let me say they have screened not less than 40 now,” he said.

Adaramodu also refuted online claims that nominees were simply asked to “take a bow and go,” a practice often criticised as superficial.

“It is not true. Since yesterday (Wednesday), they have been questioned on their capacity and capability during the screening. Today is no different,” he said, adding that substantive questioning had taken place.

The Senate spokesperson explained that most nominees had already undergone thorough vetting by security agencies, including background checks by the Department of State Services, as well as clearance processes through INEC for those previously involved in elections.

“Besides, they have gone through all the rigours and crucibles of screening, either from INEC or security agencies, so there is little or nothing more to add, except if anybody brings up new complaints or issues. When that happens, we will address it. We will not simply dismiss it,” he added.

He further assured that all other nominees are being rigorously examined. “We have been questioning them since yesterday and even testing their competence,” Adaramodu said.

The screening exercise is expected to conclude this week, paving the way for the Senate to confirm or reject the ambassadorial nominees in the coming days.