Senate President Godswill Akpabio, on Thursday, cautioned Kingsley Udeh, ministerial nominee, against responding to questions relating to recent comments by United States President Donald Trump on Nigeria.
Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria and current Attorney-General of Enugu state, was nominated by President Bola Tinubu to replace Uche Nnaji, who resigned last month.
Nnaji, the only minister from Enugu, stepped down after controversy over his academic credentials, leaving the state without representation in the federal executive council.
Before senators commenced questioning during the screening, Akpabio advised Udeh to avoid speaking on Trump’s remarks.
The question was asked by a former Senate leader and now senator representing Bauchi central, Abdul Ningi.
“The only question I will urge you to ignore is commenting on Trump. Ignore Trump topic,” Akpabio said.
After a brief interaction, Akpabio moved for the nominee’s confirmation.
“Is it the will of the Senate that the nominee, being versatile and not responding to questions on Trump, should take a bow?” he asked.
Following a voice vote, Akpabio declared, “The ayes have it,” confirming Udeh as minister.
Trump had recently accused Nigerian authorities of enabling what he described as “systematic persecution” of Christians, a claim that drew mixed reactions from lawmakers earlier in the week.
During Tuesday’s plenary, Akpabio declined to comment on the remarks, saying, “Who am I to reply Trump?”
