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BREAKING: Confirmation of Kingsley Udeh as Minister by Senate stalls over missing security clearance
The Senate has suspended the confirmation of Kingsley Udeh (SAN) as a ministerial nominee due to the absence of the mandatory security clearance report.
Presiding over Wednesday’s plenary, Senate President Godswill Akpabio explained that the chamber could not proceed with Udeh’s confirmation without the required security documentation.
“The confirmation of the minister-nominee would have been next on the list, but we need security clearance,” Akpabio told his colleagues.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate requesting Udeh’s confirmation as minister representing Enugu State, in line with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates Senate approval for ministerial appointments.
Udeh’s nomination followed the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down last month amid controversy surrounding his academic credentials and an alleged degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
His exit left Enugu State without representation in the Federal Executive Council.
After Tinubu’s letter was read during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio had referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for screening.
However, when the matter appeared on Wednesday’s Order Paper, Akpabio announced that the process could not continue pending the arrival of the security report.
He hinted that one of the senators had informed him that Udeh was already on his way to the National Assembly with the clearance letter.
But Senator Abdul Ningi (PDP, Bauchi Central) cautioned against bending institutional rules, insisting that the Senate must uphold established procedures.
“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 warned.
Responding, Akpabio assured that the Senate would not delay proceedings indefinitely.
“I don’t even have any intention of waiting for anybody because after screening them, you don’t see them again,” he said.
The Senate President then directed the Senate Leader to move a motion for a closed-door session to discuss national issues, after which lawmakers went into an executive session.
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