Senate Denies Receiving Petitions Against Ambassadorial Nominees Amidst Speculation
The Nigerian Senate has firmly refuted claims that it has received any petitions from groups such as the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Abuja indigenes, or any other organization opposing the screening of former presidential aide Reno Omokri or any of President Bola Tinubu’s 65 ambassadorial nominees. This clarification comes in the wake of heightened speculation circulating within political circles and across online platforms, suggesting a coordinated effort to obstruct the confirmation of several nominees.
Reports had indicated that certain nominees, including Reno Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and ex-Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) Prof. Mahmood Yakubu, were facing significant opposition ahead of their vetting by the upper legislative chamber.
Senate Spokesperson Addresses Allegations
In an interview, the Senate Spokesperson, Yemi Adaramodu, unequivocally stated that no formal petitions have been submitted to the Senate concerning these nominations. When specifically questioned about alleged petitions from IPOB and FCT indigenes, Adaramodu reiterated that the Senate had not received any such correspondence.
He questioned the legitimacy of such claims, remarking, “What is IPOB? That group is outlawed and proscribed. It is not recognised by our laws and Constitution. I am telling you that we didn’t receive petitions from anybody, organisation or legal entity, not even from any faceless, outlawed and rogue element.” Adaramodu emphasized that the Senate operates on a principle of considering only petitions with identifiable and legitimate sources.
“We only treat petitions written by identifiable bodies, individuals, corporate organisations and political parties. So, as I earlier said, IPOB is outlawed. It is not even on our radar. Again, does it mean that if a group of bandits writes a petition from Sambisa Forest, then we should be treating that?” he posited, highlighting the Senate’s commitment to due process and legitimate channels.
The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs has been diligently conducting its screening exercises, with numerous ambassadorial nominees appearing before the lawmakers for assessment.
Legal Counsel’s Stance on Omokri’s Nomination
Earlier in the week, human rights lawyer and counsel for IPOB, Ifeanyi Ejiofor, had issued a public statement urging the Senate to reject Reno Omokri’s nomination. Ejiofor described the appointment as “a historical error-in-progress” and “a national embarrassment,” citing Omokri’s alleged “ethnic bigotry” and past conduct as reasons for his unsuitability for diplomatic service. The legal practitioner further characterized the nomination as “a bewildering lapse in judgment,” accusing those who recommended Omokri of prioritizing triviality over statesmanship.
Nigerian Soldiers Detained in Burkina Faso Amidst Diplomatic Efforts
In a separate development, eleven Nigerian military personnel and a Nigerian Air Force C-130 aircraft have been held in detention in Burkina Faso for six days following a precautionary landing. Diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway to resolve the situation.
The Burkina Faso military government reportedly seized the soldiers and the aircraft, alleging violations of the Sahel country’s airspace. The Government of Burkina Faso stated on Tuesday that the Nigerian Air Force aircraft, carrying 11 soldiers, was compelled to land in the country on Monday after allegedly breaching its airspace.
Details of the Incident
The Agence d’Information du Burkina, the state-run news agency, published a statement from the Confederation of Sahel States detailing the incident. The statement indicated that an investigation by Burkinabe authorities “highlighted the absence of authorisation to fly over the territory of Burkina Faso for this military device.” The AES condemned the event as a transgression of sovereignty.
The Nigerian Air Force confirmed that the personnel on board the C-130 aircraft, which landed in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso, are safe and are being treated cordially by the Burkinabe authorities. The aircraft was on a ferry mission to Portugal when the crew detected a technical issue shortly after departing from Lagos on December 8, 2025. In accordance with standard safety procedures and international aviation protocols, the crew diverted to the nearest airfield.
Diplomatic Engagements and Calls for Action
The Nigerian Federal Government has initiated diplomatic channels to secure the release of the soldiers and the aircraft. The spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Kimiebi Ebienfa, confirmed that the Nigerian Embassy in Ouagadougou is actively engaging with host authorities.
However, a former federal lawmaker from Ekiti State and a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, Ayodele Arise, has called upon President Bola Tinubu to consider military action against Burkina Faso if diplomatic efforts fail to secure the release of the detained soldiers. Speaking on a television program, Arise acknowledged the Nigerian Armed Forces’ current engagements on the home front but insisted that a military option should not be disregarded. He referenced historical precedents, such as Israel’s 1976 Entebbe Raid, as examples of decisive action that could prompt a change of stance from the Burkinabe authorities.
Arise emphasized the importance of maintaining strong diplomatic ties with neighboring countries while also asserting national sovereignty, stating, “Yes, we should be friendly with our neighbours but at the same time we should let them know that they can’t be messing with our country.” The former senator also voiced support for the recent military intervention in the Republic of Benin to counter a coup attempt, dismissing suggestions that President Tinubu acted prematurely or unconstitutionally.
