The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr Kingsley Udeh, who replaces Uche Nnaji, as minister in the Federal Executive Council.
Mr Udeh, the current attorney general and commissioner for justice in Enugu State, was confirmed following his screening by the Committee of the Whole.
President Bola Tinubu’s request for Udeh’s confirmation was contained in a letter read by Senate President Godswill Akpabio during Tuesday’s plenary.
According to the President, the nomination was made in line with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which empowers him to appoint ministers subject to Senate confirmation.
“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 in part.
Udeh told lawmakers that his strong background in research and academics, along with his experience in governance and development, would enable him to contribute effectively to President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
He promised to serve the country diligently if sworn in as a member of the Federal Executive Council.
After the confirmation, Akpabio described Udeh as a suitable choice for the ministerial position.
“Let me thank Mr President for the nomination of Dr Kingsley Udeh. He appears to be fit and proper to be a minister; he has acquitted himself as a well-bred Nigerian child, acknowledging his parents. I hope he will bring his wealth of experience to add value to the federal cabinet and realise the Renewed Hope Agenda of Mr President,” Akpabio said.
Nnaji, the former minister of innovation, science and technology, resigned last month amid controversies over his academic credentials, including a disputed certificate allegedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
His exit left Enugu State without representation in the Federal Executive Council, a constitutional requirement that mandates at least one minister from each of the 36 states of the federation.
