Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, cautioned ministerial nominee Kingsley Udeh (SAN) against responding to any question related to United States President Donald Trump’s recent controversial remarks about Nigeria.
Udeh, who appeared before the Senate for screening, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned last month over controversies surrounding his academic credentials.
Nnaji, the only ministerial representative from Enugu State, stepped down after sustained public criticism and calls for an investigation into the authenticity of his certificates, leaving the state without a representative in the Federal Executive Council.
Udeh, the current Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, was recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
As senators prepared to grill the nominee, Akpabio issued a clear warning.
“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump,” the Senate President told Udeh.
His caution followed heated debates earlier in the week after Trump accused the Nigerian government of allowing “systematic persecution” and “genocide” against Christians, allegations that had sharply divided lawmakers.
Udeh introduced himself, answered a few questions, and was asked to “take a bow and go,” in line with Senate tradition.
Akpabio put his confirmation to a voice vote, “Is it the will of the Senate that the nominee, being versatile and not responding to questions on Trump, should take a bow?”
After the chamber chorused its approval, Akpabio declared, “The ‘Ayes’ have it.”
Trump’s remarks had triggered intense debate in the upper chamber on Tuesday, but Akpabio steered clear of responding directly, saying, “Who am I to reply Trump?”
