JUST IN: Senate confirms Kingsley Udeh as minister

The Senate has officially confirmed Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Dr. Udeh’s confirmation took place on Thursday after he appeared before the upper legislative chamber for his ministerial screening. During the session, he answered questions from lawmakers and outlined his vision and commitment to national development.

He was ushered into the Senate chamber at exactly 12:15 p.m. by the Special Adviser to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on National Assembly (Senate) Matters, marking a key step in the final phase of his appointment process.

President Tinubu had, on Tuesday, written to the Senate seeking Udeh’s screening and confirmation. The request was read during plenary by the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio.

Tinubu stated that the nomination was made pursuant to Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) and expressed confidence that the Senate would give the nominee expeditious consideration.

Udeh’s nomination comes after the resignation of the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, the sole minister previously representing Enugu State in the Federal Executive Council. Nnaji resigned last month following controversies relating to his academic and NYSC credentials.

Udeh is currently the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State and was recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria.

After reading the President’s request, Senator Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole, which subsequently confirmed Udeh as minister.