By Erewunmi Peace

President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded a new list of 32 ambassadorial nominees to the Senate for screening and confirmation. The latest list includes a mix of former governors, political figures, technocrats, and ex-public office holders.

Among the high-profile nominees are:

Reno Omokri, author and former presidential aide

Femi Fani-Kayode, former Minister of Aviation

Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, former Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC)

Florence Ajimobi, former First Lady of Oyo State

Femi Pedro, former Deputy Governor of Lagos State

Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, former Governor of Enugu State

The list, which also features several career diplomats, was transmitted to the Senate as part of the administration’s plan to rejuvenate Nigeria’s diplomatic representation across key countries.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced the receipt of the nominees during plenary, noting that the screening process would begin soon. The ambassadorial appointments are aimed at strengthening Nigeria’s foreign relations, boosting economic partnerships, and ensuring the presence of experienced individuals in strategic missions abroad.

This submission comes as the second batch of ambassadorial nominations under the Tinubu administration, following earlier approvals of career diplomats and political nominees.

Reactions have begun to trail the list, with many Nigerians expressing surprise at the inclusion of both critics and supporters of the administration, signaling what some analysts describe as a “broad political balancing” approach.

The Senate is expected to commence the screening exercise in the coming days.