Abba Kaka, a public policy analyst, strongly criticized the Nigerian Senate’s practice of quickly approving nominees, known as the “bow and go” strategy, during the current ambassadorial screening process in the National Assembly. Kaka, who appeared on the Arise Television program “Prime Time” on Thursday, stated that observing the ambassadorial screening committee diminished his confidence in the entire procedure. He argued that the committee must dedicate more time to questioning each nominee, suggesting that the committee chairman’s approach lacked professionalism.
Kaka specifically addressed the controversy surrounding one nominee, Reno Omokri, noting that there are many questions due to his past positions, his apparent reversal, and his statement about being forgiven by the President. He stressed that a proper screening must occur, not only for the sake of the foreign governments where the nominee might be posted but also for the domestic Nigerian public. He insisted that senators should allocate more time to thoroughly question these nominees, especially those who are controversial, to ascertain their true stance. He explained that if a person holds one view today and an opposing view tomorrow, issues of integrity and trust become significant, which is precisely why the committee is tasked with this job.
He reiterated that the “bow and go” approach is incorrect because several of the younger nominees are involved in various controversies, and it is necessary to fully understand who they are and what their intentions are, given that they will represent the Federal Republic of Nigeria internationally. Kaka concluded that the proceedings he witnessed in the Senate left him feeling less confident and that there must be more time spent on each nominee, as foreign ambassadors are observing the process, just as Nigerians are.
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