ABUJA, Nigeria — Leading Nigerian senators are expressing divergent opinions over the anticipated rigour of the ministerial nominee screening process set to begin on Monday, July 31, 2023.
The Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), have both assured the public that the screening of the 28 ministerial nominees sent by President Bola Tinubu would be more thorough than the typical “take-a-bow-and-go” practice of the past.
“This time, screening will be very thorough,” Senator Adaramodu emphatically stated on Thursday, July 27, 2023. “We are going to know the background of the nominees and not disappoint Nigerians. The Senate will scrutinise the character, the ability of every nominee. A thorough screening for anybody who will be minister entails he/she must have ideas about everything, but in core specialities like health, yes, the minister must be a professional.”
However, former Senate Minority Leader Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South) has openly disagreed with these statements, arguing that no changes will be implemented, given the composition of the nominees.
“The screening of the ministerial list will not be different. Nothing has changed to give any signal of a change in methodology,” Abaribe said.
An anonymous senator also shared Senator Abaribe’s sentiment, telling journalists that the process would likely remain a “take a bow and go” affair.
Tensions are high as the list, read out by Senate President Godswill Akpabio last Thursday, comprises prominent politicians, including former governors, senators, and House of Representatives members, with varying experience levels and alignment with different political factions.
Senator Adaramodu did concede that the tradition of the “take a bow” practice would still be observed in certain cases, while emphasizing that it is not a sign of complacency.
“It is a tradition, it is not a slang for complacency. It does not mean you cannot be held accountable. It is just a norm.”
To highlight the importance of the screening, Senator Adaramodu also announced the suspension of the Senate’s regular rules and annual vacation, remarking, “This is a national assignment, very crucial and very pertinent.”
Reinforcing these sentiments, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, while celebrating his 60th birthday in Ekiti, promised a thorough examination.
“We are going to follow the constitution to ensure that we deliver our mandate to make those who voted for us happy.”
With this array of voices, both assuring thoroughness and casting doubt, Nigerians eagerly await the start of the ministerial screenings.
The outcome of this process may well set a precedent for future nominations, but whether it marks a turning point in the nation’s political revolution or a continuation of the status quo remains to be seen.
