The Senate has commenced the screening of the first batch of ministerial nominees forwarded by President Bola Tinubu.
The screening commenced at the upper chamber on Monday afternoon during plenary which has already commenced upon the arrival of Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Some ministerial nominees including the ex-governor of Rivers State have arrived at the National Assembly complex for screening by the red chamber.
Channels Television reported that 20 of the 28 today ministerial nominees completed their documentation for the screening at the Senate today (Monday).
Those yet to complete their documentation, it was gathered, are currently out of the country.
About 24 hours after the Senate unveiled the President’s first batch of the ministerial list on Thursday, July 27, 2023, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Abdullahi Gumel, asked the ministerial nominees to complete their documentation ahead of the screening, which commences today (Monday).
The Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila, presented Tinubu’s ministerial list before the Senate after a long wait by Nigerians.
Gbajabiamila, the immediate past Speaker of the House of Representatives, presented the list to Akpabio.
Section 147 (3) of the 1999 Constitution mandates the President to appoint at least one minister from each of the 36 states. However, 11 states; Adamawa, Bayelsa, Gombe, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Lagos, Osun, Yobe, Plateau and Zamfara — and the Federal Capital Territory don’t have ministerial nominees yet.
In his letter to the Senate titled, ‘Request For Confirmation Of ministerial nominees, the President said a supplementary ministerial list would be sent to the red chamber in due course.
Tinubu’s first set of nominations was overshadowed by politicians including ex-governors, serving and former members of the Senate and House of Representatives.
State takes the stage for her screening. She spoke about her passion for helping the poor in the society.
When Ohanenye finished speaking, the Senator representing Anambra Central, Victor Umeh, appealed to his colleagues to confirm the nominee based on her qualification.
Senator Ifeanyi Ubah also appealed to the Senate to confirm Ohanenye claiming that she spent her money on charity.
She was subsequently asked to take a bow and leave.
Tunji Ojo, a member of the 9th House of Representatives from Ondo State. After taking on few questions from the Senators, Ojo was asked to take a bow and go.
Next is Nkeiruka Onyejeocha from Abia State. She was a member of House of Representatives from 2007 to 2023.
Senator Darlington Nwokocha, who spoke on behalf of other Senators from Abia State, said Onyejeocha is a high-ranking lawmaker who will do well as a Minister. She was subsequently asked to take a bow and leave.
Betty Edu, the National women leader of the APC is the next nominee to take to the stage. Edu, who is a medical doctor speaks about educational qualifications and career achievements.
Edu was recommended for confirmation by Senator Gbenga Daniel from Ogun State. She was asked to take a bow and leave.
Next on the stage is Iman Suleiman Ibrahim from Nasarawa State. The former DG of NAPTIP spoke about her qualifications and achievements and said she will bring all that to work if confirmed as a Minister.
After getting support from Senators from Nasarawa and taking few questions from some Senators, Ibrahim was asked to take a bow and go.
At the end, 14 nominees were screened out of 28 after which the Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, moved a motion for the Senate to revert to plenary to report progress.
The Minority Leader, Darlingtom Nwokocha, seconded the motion and it was carried.
Credit: Channels Television
