Senate has started screening of 46 non-career Ambassadorial nominees sent by President Mohammadu Buhari.

Chairman of Senate committee on foreign affairs, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu in her opening remark said that the screening exercise is in line with the provision of section 171, Sub section 4 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

Senator Sunmonu said that appointment to the office of Ambassador, High Commissioner or other Principal Representative of Nigeria abroad cannot take effect unless the appointment is confirmed by the Senate. 

In his remark, the senior special assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on National Assembly matters (Senate), Ita Enang expressed the executive arms of Government's readiness to co-operate with the legislature in smooth running of governance.

The committee adopted the yardstick of appearance, composure and confidence, presentation on issues raised , special skills, knowledge of diplomacy and international relations, knowledge of general and specific issues around the globe as its guiding principles during the screening exercise.

Reports by Onuora Aninwobodo