Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday cautioned ministerial nominee Kingsley Udeh (SAN) against responding to questions relating to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Nigeria.
Udeh, a former Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned last month amid controversy over his academic qualifications.
Nnaji’s resignation left Enugu State without representation in the Federal Executive Council, prompting President Tinubu to forward Udeh’s name to the Senate for confirmation.
During the screening session, Akpabio invited the nominee to introduce himself but cautioned him against engaging on Trump-related questions.
“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump,” Akpabio said.
After a brief interaction, Akpabio moved for Udeh’s confirmation.
“Is it the will of the Senate that the nominee, being versatile and not responding to questions on Trump, should take a bow?” he asked.
Following a voice vote, the Senate President declared,
“The ‘Ayes’ have it,”
confirming Udeh as a Minister of the Federal Republic.
Trump had recently accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to what he described as “systematic persecution” and “genocide” against Christians — remarks that sparked outrage and debate among Nigerian lawmakers earlier in the week.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio had declined to take a firm stance on the matter, saying,
“Who am I to reply Trump?”
