…Akpabio cheers Ajimobi’s nominee from Oyo
Ireti Kingibe (FCT) and Sahabi Ya’u (Zamfara North), on Thursday, raised objections on the Senate floor over the exclusion of their jurisdictions from the latest list of ambassadorial nominees, even as the Senate confirmed the appointment of 64 ambassadors.
The confirmed nominees comprise 34 career ambassadors and 30 non-career ambassadors, with no representation from the Federal Capital Territory or Zamfara State.
Invoking Constitutional Order 14(3), the Zamfara lawmaker faulted the list on the grounds of federal character, arguing that fairness demanded representation from all parts of the country.
He noted that while some states appeared on both the career and non-career lists, Zamfara did not feature 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 believed the omission might have been an oversight by those who prepared the list submitted to President Bola Tinubu.
“I want us to draw his attention to the fact that Zamfara is not on the list. We need at least three nominees as a compensation for this exclusion,” he added.
Kingibe also voiced concern, recalling that the FCT had always been represented in previous ambassadorial nominations.
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She said it was surprising that no nominee emerged from the nation’s capital this time.
Godswill Akpabio, Senate President, sought to allay their concerns, assuring both lawmakers that their complaints would be immediately communicated to President Tinubu.
“The list is not exhaustive. Another list is coming, and Zamfara State can’t be left out and will not be left out,” Akpabio said, adding that the FCT would also be accommodated.
Among those confirmed as career ambassadors are Arewa Esther (Oyo); Adeola-Ibrahim Mopelola (Ogun); Ramat Omonbolale (Lagos); Monica Okechukwu Enebechi (Anambra); Adams Jane Basset (Cross River); Mohammed Lele (Bauchi); and Muhammad Dahiru (Kaduna).
The non-career list includes 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).
Earlier, the Senate had confirmed three other non-career ambassadors: Kayode Aare (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa) and Ayodele Oke (Oyo), bringing the total number of confirmed nominees to 67.
While congratulating the ambassadors-designate, Akpabio urged them to serve the country diligently, reflecting on the transient nature of life and public office.
He expressed particular delight over the nomination of Florence Ajimobi, widow of the late former 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 said.
“The Senate is still in a mourning mood. While you are breathing and have the opportunity, give your best to your country.
“From now on, we are going to have a voice internationally in all the countries where these ambassadors will be deployed.”
