Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele has defended the use of the ‘take a bow and go’ procedure during Thursday’s ambassadorial screening, stating that the privilege is reserved for individuals with established and verifiable records of public service.
The expedited procedure was notably applied to former ministers Femi Fani-Kayode (former Minister of Aviation) and Abdulrahman Dambazau (former Minister of Interior), who were being screened by the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs for ambassadorial appointments.
Bamidele explained that the Senate’s decision to apply the privilege was consistent with tradition, given that both men had previously undergone full Senate screening during their ministerial confirmations in past administrations.
Following brief introductions, the former ministers, alongside other nominees who were either former ambassadors or former lawmakers, were asked to “take a bow and leave.”
This action was justified by their prior Senate clearance and their extensive public service experience.
The Senate Leader further clarified that anyone who has previously served in the National Assembly automatically qualifies for this privilege, as their legislative history and public profile are already well known to the current lawmakers.
The nominees’ confirmation will now proceed to the full Senate for final consideration.
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