The Senate has suspended the confirmation of Kingsley Udeh (SAN) as a minister following the absence of his security clearance report.
During Wednesday’s plenary session presided over by Senate President Godswill Akpabio, lawmakers agreed that Udeh’s confirmation could not proceed without the mandatory clearance from security agencies.
President Bola Tinubu had earlier nominated Udeh to represent Enugu State in the Federal Executive Council, filling the vacancy left by Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who resigned last month amid controversy over his academic qualifications.
Udeh’s nomination was in accordance with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates Senate confirmation for ministerial appointments.
After Tinubu’s letter was read on Tuesday, Udeh’s name was referred to the Committee of the Whole for screening. However, when the matter appeared on Wednesday’s Order Paper, Akpabio announced that the process would not continue until the security report was received.
It was mentioned that Udeh might be bringing the clearance document to the National Assembly, but some senators objected, arguing that waiting for it during plenary would breach standard legislative procedure.
The Senate later moved into a closed-door session to discuss other national issues, leaving Udeh’s confirmation pending until his security clearance arrives.
