"Ignore Any Question on Trump”: Akpabio Tells Tinubu’s New Minister
- Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautions the new minister, Kingsley Udeh, against commenting on U.S. President Donald Trump
- Udeh from Enugu replaces Uche Nnaji, who resigned as Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology
- Trump’s recent remarks about Nigeria’s treatment of Christians spark debate among lawmakers
Abuja, Nigeria - Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, November 6, has advised a ministerial nominee, Kingsley Udeh (SAN), to avoid answering any questions related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments on Nigeria.
Udeh, who appeared before the Senate for screening, was nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology. Nnaji resigned last month following controversy surrounding his academic credentials.
Source: Twitter
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has already sworn in Dr Bernard Mohammed Doro and Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, SAN, as Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Speaking shortly after the swearing-in ceremony, which was attended by members of the Federal Executive Council (FEC), the President assured Nigerians that despite the enormity of the challenges ahead, his administration remains fully engaged and committed to defeating terrorism.
Doro, who was nominated by President Tinubu to replace the National Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Nentawe Yilwatda, was screened by the National Assembly two weeks ago.
Akpabio: “Ignore any question on Trump”
During the screening session, Akpabio urged senators to focus on the nominee’s competence and experience, adding a light-hearted caution before the questioning began.
After a brief exchange, the Senate President moved for Udeh’s confirmation
“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump,” Akpabio told the nominee as lawmakers chuckled.
“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.
“The ‘Ayes’ have it,” Following a voice vote, Akpabio declared.
Trump’s remarks spark mixed reactions
Trump recently claimed that Nigerian authorities were overlooking what he described as “systematic persecution” and “genocide” against Christians, remarks that have stirred reactions among lawmakers and civil society groups.
Source: Twitter
When the issue was raised at Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio took a neutral stance, saying:
“Who am I to reply Trump?”
The Senate President’s latest comment adds a lighter twist to what has become a sensitive diplomatic issue between Abuja and Washington.
US ready to work with Nigeria
Recall that the United States government had issued a statement over the alleged Christian genocide in the northern part of the country.
The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom said America is ready to work with the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led federal government.
The chairperson of the commission, Vicky Hartzler, shared more details about the latest development.
Senate confirms President Tinubu’s six new appointments
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Nigerian Senate had confirmed the appointment of six commissioners to the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission (RMAFC), marking a significant step in the Federal Government’s ongoing efforts to reform the country’s fiscal framework.
The confirmation was made during Tuesday’s plenary session, following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on National Planning and Economic Affairs.
The committee’s chairman, Senator Yahaya Abdullahi, expressed confidence in the nominees’ qualifications and their readiness to serve in the Commission.
Source: Legit.ng
