Senate Suspends Confirmation of Kingsley Udeh as Minister
The Senate has suspended the confirmation of Kingsley Udeh (SAN) as minister following the absence of a mandatory security clearance. This decision was made during a plenary session held on Wednesday, where Senate President Godswill Akpabio announced that the process could not proceed until the required security report on the nominee was received.
Akpabio emphasized the importance of adhering to procedural requirements, stating, “The confirmation of the minister-nominee would have been next on the list, but we need security clearance.” This move highlights the Senate’s commitment to upholding institutional norms and ensuring that all necessary checks are completed before confirming any ministerial appointments.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had previously requested the Senate to confirm Udeh, who hails from Enugu State, as minister. This request was conveyed through a letter read by Akpabio during the plenary session. The President cited Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which grants him the authority to appoint ministers subject to Senate confirmation.
Udeh’s nomination came in the wake of the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. Nnaji stepped down last month amid controversy over his academic credentials, including questions surrounding a degree allegedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. His resignation, driven by public pressure and calls for his replacement, left Enugu State without representation in the Federal Executive Council.
After reading the President’s letter on Tuesday, Akpabio referred Udeh’s nomination to the Committee of the Whole for screening and further legislative action. However, when the matter was brought up on the Order Paper on Wednesday, Akpabio announced that the confirmation would not proceed due to the pending clearance.
Despite this, Akpabio hinted that one of the senators had informed him that the nominee was already on his way to the National Assembly with the security clearance letter. This suggestion raised concerns among some senators about the potential for procedural shortcuts.
Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) cautioned against compromising institutional procedures, insisting that the Senate must not act outside established norms. “This is an institution. I have nothing against the young man; I know him. But let’s respect this institution. You can’t wait for the nominee because he’s coming with a security clearance letter. No, that’s not done,” Ningi stated.
In response, Akpabio clarified that the Senate had no intention of waiting indefinitely, saying, “I don’t even have any intention of waiting for anybody because after screening them, you don’t see them again.” This statement reinforced the Senate’s position on maintaining procedural integrity while also acknowledging the need for efficiency in the confirmation process.
Following this exchange, the Senate President directed the Senate Leader to move a motion for a closed-door session to deliberate on ‘national issues.’ The motion was seconded, and the lawmakers subsequently dissolved into an executive session.