A majority of senators on Tuesday voted against considering President Muhammadu Buhari’s ambassadorial nominees, but Senate President Bukola Saraki vetoed it.
Saraki put to vote the consideration of the nominees twice, but more senators shouted “nay” than “aye.”
At first, when more senators shouted “nay”, Saraki said: “Please colleagues let’s be serious. I will put it to vote again.”
He did a second time, the “nays” were louder, but he ruled: “The ayes have it.”
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On October 20, Saraki read a letter from the president containing the names of 46 non-career ambassadorial nominees.
Pauline Tallen, former Plateau state deputy governor and a nominee, rejected her appointment, citing “lack of proper consultation” as the reason for her decision.
Also, Usman Bugaje, a nominee from Katsina state, turned down his appointment because his “hands were full.”
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Governors elected on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) had also raised concerns about the appointments, and they have formally filed complaints to the president.
After the voting, the senate president referred the list of the nominees to the committee on foreign affairs for screening.
2 comments
Hope the banana peel consequences for Saraki over ruling his senate colleagues won’t backfire on him on a later date? He needs to know who he wants to please to hold on to that office.
Hmmmmm Saraki is playing with fire