- Senate clears Reno Omokri despite earlier objections and controversy.
- Femi Fani-Kayode cleared with traditional “bow and go” privilege.
- Senate says privilege reserved for those with verifiable public service records.
- Screening sparks debate over Senate transparency and political loyalty.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has given its approval to Reno Omokri, confirming him as an ambassador-designate after a screening session that drew intense attention from lawmakers and the public. Omokri, a former presidential media aide, appeared before the Senate following his nomination by President Bola Tinubu.
His clearance came despite strong resistance from some Senators and Nigerians who earlier raised concerns over his past remarks, including allegations that he once referred to President Tinubu as a “drug baron.” The issue had sparked heated conversations online and within political circles.
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After his screening, Omokri shared a video expressing gratitude to Senate leaders.
“From the bottom of my heart, I sincerely thank the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, Senator Sani Bello, and the entire Committee,” he said, acknowledging their support.
Earlier in the day, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode was also cleared. The Senate granted him the traditional “bow and go” privilege, a gesture reserved for high-ranking former public officials with established service records. Fani-Kayode, who previously served as Minister of Culture, faced no major objections during his appearance.
Joining him in the same category was retired Army general and former Minister of Interior, Abdulrahman Dambazau, who was also asked to “take a bow and go” after brief introductions.
Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele defended the continued use of the “bow and go” protocol, saying it applies only to individuals whose public records are already well known.
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According to him, “Anyone who has previously served in the National Assembly automatically qualifies for this privilege, as their record and profile are already familiar to us.”
He added that the screening process remains consistent with long-standing Senate tradition.
The approvals have stirred reactions nationwide, with some Nigerians questioning whether political loyalty influenced the clearances more than merit.
