ABUJA, Nigeria – The Southeast Senate caucus is demanding the appointment of two additional ministers from their zone.
The appeal, articulated in a motion presented by Senator Tony Nwoye of Anambra North on Monday, August 7, 2023, received the backing of all 14 Senators representing the Southeast.
During his debate, Nwoye voiced concerns over the Southeast’s disproportionately low ministerial representation, with a mere five nominees compared to other regions.
These include Dr. Uju Kennedy Ohaneye, Nkiru Onyejiocha, Uche Nnaji, Senator Dave Umahi, and Doris Uzoka.
By underscoring President Tinubu’s actions as breaches to sections of the Federal Character Commission Act and the 1999 Constitution, Nwoye emphasized the need for balanced national representation in the current government.
His call for equality was premised on the belief that the under-representation of the Southeast might erode national unity and loyalty.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, intervened, assuring Nwoye that the leadership would discuss the matter with the President at the earliest opportunity.
The Senate’s Monday session also witnessed a delay in the clearance of three ministerial nominees, including ex-Kaduna State Governor Nasir El-Rufai, former APC Women Leader Stella Okotete, and Taraba State’s Abubakar Danladi.
The subsequent screening of Festus Keyamo, ex-spokesperson for the APC Presidential Campaign Council, ignited fiery debates in the Senate over his past actions perceived as disrespectful to the National Assembly.
An eventual apology from Keyamo allowed the Senate to proceed with its confirmation hearings.
Among those who received clearance are names such as Adebayo Olawale Edun, Bello Matawalle, Adegboyega Oyetola, Simon Bako Lalong, Abubakar Kyari, and several others.
The Presidency later announced that these ministers-designate would undergo induction prior to their official swearing-in.
Meanwhile, the Senate has gone into its annual break and is set to resume on Se ptember 26, 2023.
Senate Shake-Up: Akpabio Unveils New Committee Chairs in Sweeping Reshuffle
Senate President Godswill Akpabio sent ripples through the corridors of power on Monday, August 7, 2023, as he revealed a comprehensive list of new committee chairmen, underscoring a potential pivot in Senate priorities and dynamics.
Following the confirmation of 45 of the 48 ministerial nominees in a bustling plenary session, Akpabio did not waste any time making his next big move.
The changes saw several high-profile senators being tapped for vital roles, including Ninth Senate President Ahmad Lawan who will helm the Defence Committee, and former Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, now in charge of Housing.
Former Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, also cut, being appointed the chairman of the Interior Committee.
“These appointments reflect our commitment to ensuring we have the best hands guiding our national conversations,” Akpabio commented after the announcement.
Other notable appointments include Sen. Godiya Akwashiki (Airforce), Buhari Abdul-Fata (Aviation), and Osita Izunaso who will oversee the Capital Market.
This isn’t the first wave of committee announcements from the Senate President. Earlier this year, Akpabio had named leaders for various other critical committees, such as Ethics and Public Petitions, headed by Okechukwu Ezea and Public Accounts under Aliu Wadada Ahmed.
The reshuffle and appointments signal Akpabio’s drive to recalibrate the Senate’s operational dynamics, possibly in response to the nation’s evolving political landscape and challenges.
Sen. Seriake Dickson, now tasked with tackling Ecology and Climate Change issues, shared his thoughts: “This is a fresh start. The challenges we face are significant, but with this new structure, I’m confident of the progress we can make.”
Whether this significant reshuffle will effectively address the many challenges ahead remains to be seen.
What is clear, however, is that under Akpabio’s leadership, the Senate is gearing up for impactful changes.
