President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has forwarded the name of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Ude to the Senate for ministerial confirmation.
The Senior Advocate of Nigeria from Enugu State is now set to face the screening process at the National Assembly.
The request was delivered through an official letter, which Senate President Godswill Akpabio read during Tuesday’s plenary session.
Lawmakers were immediately informed of the nomination.
After reading the letter, Senator Akpabio sent the request to the Committee of the Whole.
That committee will handle the screening before forwarding a recommendation to the Senate for approval.
This move comes after former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji, stepped down from his position.
Nnaji’s exit created a vacant slot for Enugu State in President Tinubu’s cabinet.
Nnaji resigned in the middle of a certificate controversy linked to documents said to have been obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka and the National Youth Service Corps.
His departure left Enugu without representation at the federal executive level.
Dr. Ude currently serves as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State.
He was recently conferred with the prestigious rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, a recognition that further strengthened his legal profile and public standing.
If confirmed, he will replace Nnaji and restore Enugu State’s seat in the Federal Executive Council.
Recall that Nnaji’s resignation came after reports raised questions about his academic and NYSC credentials, sparking public debate and pressure for accountability.
