The Nigerian Senate has clarified that it has not yet received any formal petitions challenging the newly released list of ambassadorial nominees.
Speaking in an interview with Sunday Punch, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu acknowledged that although some Nigerians have publicly expressed concerns about certain names on the list, the Senate cannot act on informal complaints. He stressed that only written petitions submitted through official legislative channels can trigger any action.
Adaramodu explained that the Senate has already forwarded the list to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, which has been granted one week to scrutinize the nominees and submit its findings. According to him, the process is still in its early stages.
“As of this moment, no petition has reached the Senate regarding any of the nominees. The list was only read out today (Thursday). Should any petition arise, it will be forwarded to the committee for appropriate consideration,” he stated.
He went on to highlight that the committee’s screening is merely the first phase of the confirmation procedure. Once the committee presents its report, the entire Senate will conduct a more extensive review, during which lawmakers will have the opportunity to interrogate each candidate before voting on their suitability.
Adaramodu also emphasized that the Senate has full authority to reject nominees who fail to meet the required standards, even if they scale through the committee level. “The committee’s assessment is not the final word. When the report gets to the plenary, the Senate can adopt, revise, or completely overturn the committee’s recommendations,” he noted.
He reiterated the Senate’s commitment to due process and transparency, assuring the public that any credible petition or allegation submitted against a nominee would be thoroughly examined.
“In the end, it is the duty of the entire Senate—presided over by the Senate President—to decide whether to endorse or reject the committee’s report,” Adaramodu concluded.
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