The Senate has officially confirmed a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, Dr. Kingsley Ude, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. His confirmation came on Thursday after a comprehensive screening session on the Senate floor.
Born in 1978, Dr. Ude previously served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State. During his screening, senators questioned him on several national and international issues, including recent comments made by the Trump administration regarding Nigeria.
Senator Abdul Ningi sought Ude’s opinion on the matter, which briefly sparked a debate among lawmakers. Some senators argued that Ude had already demonstrated the competence and temperament required for the ministerial position.
Responding, Ude commended President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic handling of the situation, describing it as primarily a diplomatic, and not legal issue.
Another lawmaker, Senator Adamu Aliero, asked whether the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice should be separated.
Ude replied that the efficiency of the office depends largely on the integrity and independence of the person holding it.
After the session, the Senate expressed satisfaction with Ude’s responses and invited him to “take a bow,” completing the confirmation process.
Dr. Ude’s appointment fills the vacant ministerial position for Enugu State, following the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down amid a certificate scandal earlier this year.
