Akpabio Sparks Reactions As He Blocks Question On Trump During Ministerial Screening

Senate President Godswill Akpabio on Thursday cautioned ministerial nominee Kingsley Udeh (SAN) against making any comments about recent controversial statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump regarding Nigeria.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

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, Enugu State’s sole representative in the Federal Executive Council, resigned last month following public scrutiny over the authenticity of his academic credentials.

Before questioning began, Akpabio advised the nominee to steer clear of politically sensitive issues, particularly Trump’s remarks, which have sparked heated debate in the National Assembly.

“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump,” Akpabio told Udeh pointedly.

Trump had recently accused the Nigerian government of allowing “systematic persecution” and “genocide” against Christians — comments that caused sharp division among Nigerian lawmakers earlier in the week.

During the session, Udeh introduced himself, responded to several questions, and was eventually asked to “take a bow and go,” in accordance with Senate tradition.

Akpabio then put the motion to a voice vote, jokingly adding, “Is it the will of the Senate that the nominee, being versatile and not responding to questions on Trump, should take a bow?”

With the chamber responding in unison, the Senate President declared, “The Ayes have it.”

Earlier, when asked to react to Trump’s statements, Akpabio had declined, saying, “Who am I to reply Trump?”

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