There was mild drama in the Senate on Thursday as Senate President Godswill Akpabio cautioned ministerial nominee Kingsley Udeh (SAN) against responding to questions related to U.S. President Donald Trump’s recent comments about Nigeria.
Udeh, nominated by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology who resigned over certificate controversies, appeared before the Senate for screening.
Before the questioning began, Akpabio said, “The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump.”
After a short session, Akpabio moved for Udeh’s confirmation, 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?” The motion passed by voice vote, confirming Udeh as minister.
Trump had recently accused Nigerian authorities of ignoring what he described as “systematic persecution” and “genocide” against Christians — a statement that sparked heated debates among Nigerian lawmakers earlier in the week.
During a previous plenary, Akpabio declined to directly respond to Trump’s remarks, saying, “Who am I to reply Trump?” His position drew a reaction from Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who insisted Nigeria should defend its sovereignty.
Akpabio maintained that only the Presidency could officially respond to Trump’s comments, noting that the issue would be discussed formally on the Senate floor at a later date.
