Senate suspends confirmation of Tinubu’s minister
The Senate on Wednesday suspended the confirmation of Kingsley Udeh (SAN) as a minister because his security clearance had not yet been received.
The session, presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, was expected to confirm Udeh’s appointment, but lawmakers agreed that the process could not continue without the mandatory report from security agencies.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier sent Udeh’s name to the Senate for approval as the new minister representing Enugu State.
His nomination came after the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who left office last month amid controversy over his academic qualifications.
Nnaji’s exit created a vacancy for Enugu State in the Federal Executive Council, prompting Tinubu to nominate Udeh in accordance with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which requires Senate confirmation of ministerial appointments.
After the President’s letter was read on Tuesday, the Senate referred Udeh’s name to the Committee of the Whole for screening.
However, when the matter appeared on Wednesday’s Order Paper, Akpabio informed lawmakers that the screening and confirmation would not go on because the required clearance was still pending.
Although it was mentioned that the nominee might be bringing the document to the National Assembly, some senators opposed waiting for it during plenary, warning that doing so would breach established procedures.
The Senate later moved into a closed-door session after the announcement to discuss other national matters, leaving Udeh’s confirmation on hold until the security report is received.
