ADC Slams Senate Over ‘Bow-and-Go’ Clearance of Ambassadorial Nominees
The African Democratic Congress (ADC) has criticised the Senate for what it called the “reckless trivialisation” of the ambassadorial screening process, after several nominees among them Femi Fani-Kayode, Reno Omokri and the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Prof. Mahmood Yakubu were allowed to simply “take a bow and go” during Thursday’s plenary.
In a statement issued on Thursday night, the ADC faulted the upper chamber for reducing what should be a rigorous constitutional exercise to a mere formality, especially given the controversy surrounding some of the nominees.
The party argued that ambassadorial positions are strategic and require individuals of unquestionable loyalty, competence and integrity, stressing that the Senate’s approach failed to reassure Nigerians that merit and national interest were prioritised.
“The Senate owes the Nigerian people due diligence, not theatrics,” the ADC said. “Allowing nominees with significant public scrutiny and unresolved questions to bypass proper interrogation undermines the credibility of the entire vetting process.”
The party described the “bow-and-go” privilege as one that should be sparingly applied, particularly to former lawmakers or individuals with long-standing public service records, not as a blanket exemption for politically connected figures.
According to the ADC, the Senate’s conduct raises concerns about transparency, accountability and the effectiveness of legislative oversight at a time when Nigeria needs stronger institutions.
It added that ambassadorial roles require diplomacy, technical expertise and ethical strength qualities that can only be verified through thorough screening.
The ADC called for an overhaul of screening procedures to ensure that nominees are rigorously examined, including through public hearings, competency tests and background checks.
“This rubber-stamp approach cannot continue,” the party warned. “Nigeria’s foreign service deserves ambassadors who emerge from a credible process, not political deals.”
The Senate has yet to respond to the ADC’s criticisms, even as the clearance of the nominees continues to generate debate nationwide.
