By Reportcircle News
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday intensified the screening of the 65 ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu but the otherwise routine exercise broke into drama when an Ekiti State nominee stumbled over a basic question that tested his political awareness.
Chaired by Senator Sani Bello, the Committee continued its second-day scrutiny of both career and non-career nominees, including high-profile candidates such as former Naval Chief Ibok-Ete Ibas and Senator Jimoh Ibrahim.
Yet it was Adeyemi Emmanuel, a seasoned diplomat and acting director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who became the unexpected centrepiece.
Emmanuel had been performing strongly: fluent, experienced, and armed with an impressive résumé that included postings in France, Addis Ababa, and Hong Kong, plus a doctorate in International Relations.
But the atmosphere shifted the moment he attempted to acknowledge Ekiti State’s three senators.
He correctly identified Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele (Ekiti Central) and Senator Adeyemi Adaramodu (Ekiti South).
Then he paused, stalled and failed to name Senator Cyril Fasuyi (Ekiti North).
A brief silence rippled through the room before senators reacted.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) immediately pressed the nominee, asking him to identify the third senator, a question that left Emmanuel visibly unsettled.
Ekpenyong did not hide his concern.
“Much as we admit one man can’t know everything, somebody nominated to represent Nigeria as an ambassador should know the senators from his state.
At a time when our international image needs rebuilding, competence is key,” he warned.
Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson supported the critique, describing the slip as part of a worrying pattern among public office nominees who appear unprepared for high-level diplomatic responsibilities.
Senator Yunus Akintunde, standing in for the Senate Leader, appealed for leniency but admitted the nominee’s team failed to guide him effectively.
Despite the misstep, Emmanuel emphasized his depth of foreign service experience and maintained that he is equipped to represent Nigeria abroad.
He is one of three nominees from Ekiti State, alongside Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.
Beyond the drama, the committee also screened several other experienced officers, including:
Ahmed Sulu Gambari
Maimuna Besto
Monica Enebechi
Ahmed Monguno
Kingsley Onaga
Magaji Umar
Aminu Nasir
The session reaffirmed the administration’s push for a blend of career diplomats and politically exposed nominees.
One of the day’s highlights came when Senator Jimoh Ibrahim (Ondo South) lawyer, businessman, and serving lawmaker submitted his CV before the panel.
Following Senate tradition, the committee asked Ibrahim to “take a bow,” a gesture that drew applause and lightened the proceedings.
President Tinubu last week transmitted the full list of 65 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate, urging expedited confirmation under Section 171 of the Constitution.
Among the non-career nominees:
Former presidential aide Ita Enang
Former Chief of Naval Staff Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas (rtd.)
Former Chief of Army Staff Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazzau (rtd.)
Senate President Godswill Akpabio had referred the names to the Foreign Affairs Committee with a one-week deadline to conclude screening and present its report.
Wednesday’s session formed the second phase, following an earlier round involving Kayode Are (Ogun), Aminu Dalhatu (Jigawa), and Ayodele Oke (Oyo), where Oke addressed longstanding allegations tied to his career.
The screening continues this week as the Senate weighs competence, experience, and diplomatic readiness, a process that is already revealing gaps, strengths, and moments of political theatre that underscore the stakes of representing Nigeria abroad.
