Don’t Respond To Any Question On Trump’s Threat; Akpabio Cautions Ministerial Nominee
Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, cautioned a ministerial nominee, Kingsley Udeh (SAN), against responding to any questions relating to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent remarks about Nigeria.
Udeh, who appeared before the Senate for screening, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned last month amid controversy over his academic qualifications.
Nnaji, the only cabinet member from Enugu State, stepped down following mounting public pressure and calls for his replacement, leaving the state temporarily unrepresented in the Federal Executive Council.
During the screening, Akpabio invited Udeh to introduce himself before senators began asking questions.
“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump,” Akpabio said.
After a brief session, the Senate President moved for Udeh’s confirmation. “Is it the will of the Senate that the nominee, being versatile and not responding to questions on Trump, should take a bow?”, he asked.
After putting the question to a voice vote, Akoabio said, “The ‘Ayes’ have it,” marking Senate confirmation of the nominees as minister.
Trump had, in a recent public statement, accused Nigerian authorities of turning a blind eye to what he described as “systematic persecution” and “genocide” against Christians — comments that sparked controversy and divided opinion among Nigerian lawmakers earlier in the week.
When the matter came up for discussion during Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio had diplomatically declined to take a position, saying, “Who am I to reply Trump?”
