- Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominee Emmanuel Adeyemi struggled to name the three Ekiti senators.
- Senate panel shocked as his team “Googled” the missing senator’s name.
- Lawmakers criticized his lack of preparation during the ambassadorial screening.
- Some Nigerians call on Tinubu to withdraw the entire nominee list.
President Bola Tinubu’s ambassadorial nominee, Emmanuel Adeyemi, found himself in an awkward situation on Wednesday when he struggled to mention all three senators representing his home state of Ekiti.
Adeyemi, a seasoned diplomat and deputy director at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, initially impressed lawmakers with his credentials, which include postings in Hong Kong and France, and a completed PhD. But everything changed the moment he attempted to recognize the senators from Ekiti.
ATTENTION: Click “HERE” to join our WhatsApp group and receive News updates directly on your WhatsApp!
READ ALSO: Ex-Minister Chris Ngige Arrested by EFCC in Abuja
He confidently named Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and Senator Yemi Adaramodu, but froze when asked to name the third senator. The chamber erupted in murmurs as some lawmakers reminded him that every state in Nigeria has three senators
The embarrassment deepened when a member of Adeyemi’s delegation hurriedly pulled out a phone to “Google” the missing name; Senator Cyril Fasuyi. This prompted visible irritation from the screening panel.
Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong (Cross River South) condemned the nominee’s lapse, saying it reflected a worrying drop in the quality of individuals being put forward for top positions.
“Much as we admit that one man can’t know everything, it is expected thatb somebody like you, nominated to represent Nigeria abroad, should at least know the three senators from your state,” he said.
READ ALSO: Tinubu orders nationwide security overhaul, targets ranching revival
“People who carry Nigeria’s image must be competent enough to repair it, not worsen it.”
Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson agreed, while Senator Yunus Akintunde appealed for forgiveness.
Akintunde said: “Please let us overlook his mistake and pardon him for not knowing that Ekiti, like all states, has three senators.”
Since the Presidency released the ambassadorial list, several Nigerians have urged Tinubu to drop controversial nominees such as Femi Fani-Kayode and Reno Omokri, accusing the President of rewarding loyalists instead of selecting credible representatives.
