In a significant legislative development, the Senate officially ratified the appointments of 45 out of the 48 ministerial nominees proposed by President Bola Tinubu, following a comprehensive screening process.
The confirmation exercise culminated with Festus Keyamo, the former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, facing the senators earlier on Monday.
While the majority of nominees secured the Senate’s nod of approval, the confirmation for the remaining three individuals, Nasir El-Rufai, Stella Okotete (Delta State), and Abubakar Danladi (Taraba State), was withheld due to ongoing security clearance procedures.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio subjected the nominations to a series of voice votes, resulting in the approval of all candidates except the aforementioned three.
Among the trio, Nasir El-Rufai, the former Governor of Kaduna State, has attracted particular scrutiny due to security challenges that transpired during his tenure. A petition submitted by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West) during the screening session highlighted concerns regarding insecurity in Southern Kaduna during El-Rufai’s administration.
He said, “Your performance in any office you find yourself in the country has been outstanding. In the bureau of public enterprises, your record is there, in FCT as a minister, your record is there, and as two-time governor of Kaduna state, you did well.”
Amidst the proceedings, the Senate President declined to accept the petition leveled against El-Rufai, citing multiple petitions submitted against various ministerial nominees.
Additionally, a petition emerged against Abubakar Danladi, referencing a court judgment restricting him from holding public office for a duration of 10 years.
Furthermore, Stella Okotete, a former managing director of Nexim Bank, faced a series of petitions, including allegations of non-disclosure of assets to the Code of Conduct Bureau.
The confirmation process has been marked by an array of petitions, underscoring the depth of public engagement in the evaluation of ministerial nominees. As the Senate continues its deliberations, the nation keenly observes the unfolding dynamics within the upper legislative chamber.
The list of 45 ministerial nominees confirmed by the Senate are;
Abubakar Kyari (Borno)
Abubakar Momoh (Edo)
Nyesom Wike – Rivers
Engr Joseph Utserv (Benue)
Senator John Owan Enoh (Cross River)
Hon Bello Mohammad (Sokoto)
Mohammed Badaru Abubakar (Jigawa)
Yusuf Maitama Tuggar (Bauchi)
Uju Kennedy Ohaneye (Anambra)
Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo (Ondo)
Nkieruka Onyejeocha (Abia)
Dr Betta Edu (Cross River State)
imaan Sulieman Ibrahim (Nasarawa)
David Umahi (Ebonyi)
Adebayo Olawale Edun (Ogun)
Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (Katsina)
Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (Enugu)
Mr Dele Alake (Ekiti)
Waheed Adebayo Adelabu (Oyo)
Mohammed Idris (Niger)
Prof Ali Pate (Bauchi)
Dr Doris Anite Uzoka (Imo)
Lateef Fabemi SAN (Kwara)
Rt Hon Ekperikpe Ekpo (Akwa Ibom)
Hannatu Musawa (Katsina)
Ibrahim Geidam (Yobe)
Aliyu Sabi Abdullahi (Niger)
Hieneken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa)
Alkali Ahmed Saidu (Gombe)
Dr Tanko Sununu (Kebbi)
Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi)
Bello Matawalle (Zamfara)
Adegboyega Oyetola (Osun)
Simon Bako Lalong (Plateau)
Abdullahi Tijani Muhammad Gwarzo (Kano)
Bosun Tijani (Ogun)
Dr Mariya Mahmoud Bunkure (Kano)
Dr Iziaq Salako (Ogun)
Dr Tunji Alausa (Lagos)
Lola Ade-John (Lagos)
Prof Tahir Mamman SAN (Adamawa)
Zephaniah Jisalo (FCT)
Uba Maigari Ahmadu (Taraba)
Prince Shuaibu Abubakar Audu (Kogi)
Festus Keyamo SAN (Delta)
