The Nigerian Senate has confirmed Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The confirmation on Thursday was a sequel to his appearance before the Senate at the Chamber, where he answered questions from the lawmakers.
The confirmed nominee was ushered into the Chamber for the screening by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly Senate Matters at about 12:15pm, local time.
President Bola Tinubu had on Tuesday written to the Senate, seeking the screening and subsequent confirmation of Dr. Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The letter conveying the President’s request was read on the floor of the Senate by the President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio.
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According to President Tinubu, the nomination was made in accordance with Section 147 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended).
“I am pleased to forward to the Senate the nomination of Dr Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh, SAN, for confirmation as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. While I hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards,” the letter read.
Following the announcement, Senator Akpabio then referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for immediate consideration.
Confirming Dr. Udeh’s nomination, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio said the nominee answered questions on topical issues and thereafter the Committee approved his nomination as the Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Through voice vote, the Senate confirmed his nomination as Minister designate.
The development is sequel to the resignation of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Mr. Uche Nnaji, from the current government.
Mr. Nnaji, who was the only minister from Enugu State in the President Tinubu administration, resigned last month over his academic qualifications and his National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) discharge certificate.
His resignation created a vacuum in the Federal Executive Council, leaving Enugu State without a ministerial representation.
Dr. Udeh, a lawyer, who currently serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State was recently elevated to the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN).