Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs on Wednesday screened ambassadorial career nominees whose names were sent to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari.
The three career Ambassadors are Mohammed Abdullahi Mabdul, zanna Umaru Bukar-Kolo and Mr. Christopher Chidi Chili who at various times worked at the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Chairman of the Committee, Senator Monsurat Sunman urged nominees to do all they could within the ambit of law to redeem the country’s image on drug related issues.
“We are at a critical time particularly as regards to Nigerian woman who was executed in Saudi Arabia on Monday over drugs.”
Reacting to questions by a member of the Committee, Senator Shehu Sani, a nominee, Mr. Christopher Chidi Chili said illegal migration was responsible for drug-related crimes abroad, saying that government must do something about it.
“The problem of migration by Nigeria Nationals has been a recurring decimal. Government must engage in public enlightenment about the attendant risks of illegal migration.”
“Government must put in place social safety nets for the nationals so that they can have something doing. Nonce, they are engaged, they wouldn’t risk going out in search of greener pastures.”
Another nominee, Zanna Umaru Bukar-Kolo explained that Saudi Arabia operates system of laws that leads to execution, saying when arrests are made, Nigeria consulates are hardly notified.
He advised government to closely monitor those travelling to Saudi Arabia and inform them on strict laws operated by the Islamic nations.
He added: “if we have information and evidence of innocence of our nationals, we could protest and ask for a judicial review”.
Senator Shehu Sani said, more consulate should embark on advocacy and enlightenment on the risk of peddling drugs outside Nigeria.
He tasked the Ambassadors to do all they could to protect the image of the country. He said, “Tell Nigerians out there that if you rob in UAE or China, and you are caught, you face execution.”
