On Thursday, the Senate declared its commitment to conduct more rigorous screening of the 28 ministerial nominees. This decision followed President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s submission of the nominees to the upper chamber for confirmation. The nominees are as follows:

Abubakar Momoh
Yusuf Maitama Tukur
Ahmad Dangiwa
Hannatu Musawa
Uche Nnaji
Betta Edu
Dr. Diris Anite Uzoka
David Umahi
Ezenwo Nyesom Wike
Muhammed Badaru Abubakar
Nasir El Rufai
Ekerikpe Ekp[o
Nkiru Onyejiocha
Olubunmi
Stella Okotete
Uju Kenedy Ohaneye
Bello Muhammad Goronyo
Dele Alake
Lateef Fagbemi
Mohammad Idris
Olawale Edun
Waheed Adebanwo
Emman Suleman Ibrahim
Prof Ali Pate
Prof Joseph Usev
Abubakar Kyari
John Enoh
Sani Abubakar Danladi

The list was submitted after 60 days of anticipation and uncertainty following President Tinubu’s inauguration on May 29. The formal request was conveyed in a letter addressed to Senate President Godswill Akpabio and read during Thursday’s plenary session.

In the letter, President Tinubu cited that the confirmation request aligns with the provisions of Section 147 Subsection 2 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Also Read: Bills Approved By Tinubu – See The 4 Bills approved by President Tinubu

Notably, the ministerial nominees submitted to the Senate include former Governors Nyesom Wike of Rivers, David Umahi of Ebonyi, and Nasir El Rufai of Kaduna.

While reading the president’s letter, Senate President Godswill Akpabio called for prompt consideration of the nominees. He also mentioned that the list, as per the letter, is not exhaustive, and additional nominees will be forwarded to the Senate for confirmation in the future.

Additionally, he revealed that the executive is expected to put forth more nominees for consideration.

Before the disclosure of the list, the Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, raised a point of order to allow the Chief of Staff to the President, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, entry into the Senate chamber for the formal presentation of the document.

Following the plenary, the Senate spokesperson, Adeyemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti), addressed the media and assured that the screening of the ministerial nominees would be conducted meticulously, departing from the usual practices. He expressed confidence that Nigerians would not be disappointed, emphasizing the commitment of the 10th Senate to fulfil the people’s expectations.

Adaramodu also highlighted that with the submission of the list, all regions of the country can anticipate a fresh start and progress, remarking that positive changes are on the horizon.

He also made it clear that the screening process would not be a mere formality, but one that the Senate would approach with great thoroughness.

He mentioned that although it is customary for some nominees to receive a smooth confirmation process where they are allowed to “take a bow” without extensive questioning, this time unnecessary questions would not be created artificially. If any concerns or red flags arise, the Senate will address them diligently, ensuring a comprehensive screening.

He stated, “We have suspended all rules to commence the screening of the nominees from Monday, even though we don’t usually sit on Mondays. The screening will start at 11 a.m. on Monday and 10 a.m. on other days. This time, the screening process will be very rigorous and not superficial. Nominees will only be allowed to take a bow if there are no pertinent questions to ask.”

Ministerial Nominees – Let’s See The Senate’s Strong Commitment to The Screening of Ministerial Nominees