Senate rebuffs Buhari’s would-be envoys list

The Senate yesterday rejected the President’s list of 46 non-career ambassadors-designate. The list was dumped over President Muhammadu Buhari’s new understanding with governors, lawmakers and All Progressives Congress (APC) leaders, it was learnt.

The rejection will enable the Presidency to review the list in line with the new consultative deal.

Sources said names of most of the nominees were smuggled into the list by some members of the President’s Kitchen Cabinet who were asked to “harmonise” the names.

The choice of the nominees topped the agenda of the session between the President and APC governors last week, The Nation learnt.

The issue was also raised at Vice President Yemi Osinbajo’s Monday meeting with APC governors and National Assembly leaders

A source said: “By the time the President realised that the list of non-career ambassadors was compiled by a few, he felt disappointed. But he did not want to recall the list in order not to hurt anyone.”

“Some states were not happy because the list affected power sharing formula and it could lead to inter-tribal crisis.”

“The President took time to explain to stakeholders that he knew only a few of the nominees. I think about three or five. But he said he gave the responsibility to some key aides who did a shoddy job.”

“It was embarrassing to the President when some of the nominees rejected their appointments because they were not consulted.”

“As a way out, the President left the fate of the nominees to the Senate to decide. The President has now floated a new consultative platform between the Presidency and other stakeholders, including governors, National Assembly leaders and party leaders.”

The source added: “A window that was immediately agreed upon was for the Senate to reject the list to pave the way for the Presidency to take a second look at the non-career ambassadors.”

“So, the list was rejected in line with the new deal between the President and other stakeholders. All groups in the party will now have input into the compilation of the fresh list which, will be sent to the Senate.”