The Senate has refuted reports claiming it received petitions from the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Abuja residents, or any group opposing the screening of former presidential aide Reno Omokri or other ambassadorial nominees submitted by President Bola Tinubu.

The clarification follows widespread speculation, both within political circles and on social media, suggesting that some nominees — including Omokri, former Minister of Aviation Femi Fani-Kayode, and former Independent National Electoral Commission Chairman Prof. Mahmood Yakubu — were facing organised resistance ahead of their confirmation.

Addressing the claims, Senate spokesperson Yemi Adaramodu stated that no petition had been formally submitted to the upper chamber. He emphasised that the Senate had not received any correspondence from IPOB, Federal Capital Territory residents, or any other organisation challenging the nominations.

Adaramodu stressed that IPOB remains a proscribed group under Nigerian law and is not recognised by the Constitution. According to him, the Senate only considers petitions from identifiable individuals, recognised organisations, corporate bodies, or political parties.

He dismissed the idea that unrecognised or faceless groups could submit petitions that would be treated by the legislature, noting that such claims lacked legal standing.

The Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs continued its screening exercise for ambassadorial nominees, with several candidates appearing before lawmakers on the second day of the process.

Earlier, human rights lawyer and IPOB counsel Ifeanyi Ejiofor had publicly urged the Senate to reject Omokri’s nomination, describing it as inappropriate and alleging that his past conduct made him unsuitable for diplomatic responsibilities. Ejiofor criticised Omokri’s inclusion on the list, characterising it as a serious lapse in judgment.