Tinubu Appoints Ibas, Dambazau, and Others as Ambassadors
President Bola Tinubu has sent a new group of non-career ambassadorial nominees to the Nigerian Senate for approval. The list includes notable former public officials and military leaders who are set to fill key diplomatic roles.
Among the nominees is Ibok-Ete Ekwe Ibas, the immediate past Sole Administrator of Rivers State and former Chief of Naval Staff. Also included are Abdulrahman Dambazau, former Minister of Interior and ex-Chief of Army Staff; former presidential aide Ita Enang; and Chioma Ohakim, former First Lady of Imo State.
The nominations were announced during Thursday’s Senate plenary session after Senate President Godswill Akpabio read a letter from President Tinubu. In the letter, the president urged lawmakers to consider the nominees promptly to ensure key diplomatic positions are filled without delay.
Senate President Akpabio directed that the list be referred to the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for screening. The committee has been asked to complete its review and report back to the Senate within one week.
This move continues President Tinubu’s effort to strengthen Nigeria’s diplomatic corps with experienced leaders from both political and military backgrounds. The Senate’s review and approval will determine how quickly these nominees can assume their ambassadorial duties.
The announcement has attracted attention from political observers who see the nominations as strategic placements of trusted individuals in Nigeria’s foreign missions.
Further updates are expected once the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs completes its screening and provides feedback to the full chamber.
