Fidelia Okafor.

Nigeria’s Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Tuesday began the screening of the 46 non-career ambassadorial nominees, with about ten candidates cleared on day one of the exercise.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang while presenting the nominees to the committee on behalf of the President, acknowledged the professionalism and depth of experience deployed by the lawmakers in their handling of issues, communications and other matters from the Presidency.

Senator Ita Enang expressed gratitude to the lawmakers for always working in the best interest of the nation, saying that Nigerians would always remember their nationalistic and patriotic services to the nation.

The chairman of the committee, Senator Munsurat Sunmonu while welcoming the nominees and the Presidential Aide to the exercise said the Senate “will continue with its avowed commitment to support the Presidency in addressing sensitive issues that has to do with the country and her citizenry.”

One of the nominees, a former Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Mr Baba Ahmed Jida who noted that challenges faced by envoys ranges from language and policies of different countries said when reappointed, he will harness and align with programmes and policies of country posted to, to ensure peace and tranquility.

Another nominee, Hon Justice George Adesola Oguntade, a retired Supreme Court Justice promised to explore all means within his disposal to ensure that investors patronise Nigeria. He urged Nigerians to discourage affluence spending and invest in agriculture and manufacturing firms.

Those screened and cleared were Mr Goni Modu Zanna Bura, Yobe ; Yusuf Maitama – Bauchi ; Ahmed Ibeto, Niger ; Hon Kabiru Umah, Sokoto ; Dr (Hon) Etubom Nya E. Asuquo, Cross River ;Baba Ahmed Jida, Borno ;Alhaji Garba Gajam,and Capt Baba Mohammed Mairiga, Zamfara ; Christopher J. N. Okeke, Anambra ;Mr Jonah M. Odo, Ebonyi ;Ahmed Nuhu Bamali Kaduna among others.

Source: Government