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Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday cautioned ministerial nominee Kingsley Udeh (SAN) not to respond to any questions relating to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Nigeria during his screening at the National Assembly.
Udeh, nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, appeared before the Senate for confirmation. Nnaji, who represented Enugu State in the Federal Executive Council, resigned last month following controversy over his academic qualifications, leaving the state without representation in the cabinet.
As the session began, Akpabio advised the nominee to steer clear of politically sensitive questions.
“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump,” the Senate President told Udeh before the lawmakers began their questioning.
After a brief interaction, Akpabio moved for Udeh’s confirmation, saying with a smile: “Is it the will of the Senate that the nominee, being versatile and not responding to questions on Trump, should take a bow?”
The motion was met with approval from the chamber as Akpabio declared, “The ‘Ayes’ have it,” confirming Udeh’s nomination.
Trump had recently accused Nigerian authorities of ignoring what he called the “systematic persecution” and “genocide” of Christians, a statement that sparked heated debate among lawmakers earlier in the week.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio tactfully avoided making any direct comment on the matter, saying, “Who am I to reply Trump?” a remark that drew laughter from senators and underscored his diplomatic handling of the issue.
Akpabio cautions ministerial nominee Udeh against commenting on Trump’s remarks about Nigeria
