The Senate has defended Emmanuel Adeyemi, one of President Bola Tinubu’s career ambassadors-designate, following controversy over his inability to name all three senators representing Ekiti State during his screening.
The incident occurred during the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs’ evaluation of career nominees, when Adeyemi, a deputy director in the Office of the Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, momentarily failed to recall the name of one of the senators, triggering criticism from some lawmakers.
Reacting on Monday, Senate Spokesman Senator Yemi Adaramodu described the episode as a minor lapse that could happen to anyone under pressure. He urged Nigerians not to exaggerate the issue, noting that Adeyemi mentioned his name and that of Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele, but only struggled to recall the third senator, Cyril Fasuyi.
“These are career ambassadorial nominees. The particular nominee you spoke about is from my own senatorial position. At least, you heard him mention my name among the Ekiti senators he knows. That means he knew me,” Adaramodu said.
He explained that the intense atmosphere of the screening could unsettle even experienced public servants. “Again, when you are under that kind of stress resulting from the questioning, definitely, you are bound to miss out on one thing. And so, if somebody scores 66.7 per cent, do you crucify that person?” he added.
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The Senate spokesman further highlighted Adeyemi’s extensive experience in the foreign service, stressing that the lapse did not reflect ignorance. “He has served Nigerians for many years as a career officer, under secretary, and admin officer in our foreign missions,” Adaramodu said.
The controversy drew mixed reactions during the screening. Senator Asuquo Ekpenyong, supported by Senators Adams Oshiomhole and Seriake Dickson, criticised the nominee, arguing that ambassadors must demonstrate basic political awareness. Others, including Senator Yunus Akintunde, called for leniency.
Adeyemi is one of three ambassador-designates from Ekiti State submitted by President Tinubu, alongside Erelu Angela Adebayo and Olumilua Oluwayemika.