Former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Fashola (SAN), his Rivers State counterpart, Rotimi Amaechi and Senator Chris Ngige are among the seven other ministerial nominees scheduled for screening on Wednesday.
Other also billed for screening are – Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, Abubakar Malami (SAN), Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, Barr. Solomon Dalong, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, Senator Hadi Sirika and Barr. Adebayo Shittu .
A ministerial nominee from Akwa Ibom, Senator Udoma Udo Udoma, sets the ball rolling.
He has been asked to take a “bow and go.”
The next nominee to enter the podium is a former governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi.
Rights activist, Shehu Sanni, asked the ex-governor if truly he escaped through an unconventional border during the late Gen. Sani Abacha era.
Fayemi said, “I did not borrow to pay salaries, but borrowed to fund capital projects for Ekiti.”
He has also been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
The next nominee to face the senators is Chief Audu Ogbeh.
The ex-National chairman of the PDP has been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
The next ministerial nominee is Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu.
He is acknowledging cheers from the senators.
He has been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
The next ministerial nominee is Dr. Osagie Ehanire from Edo State.
He will take questions from senators.
The nominee has been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
In all five ministerial nominees have been cleared by the Senate.
The sixth nominee, Lt. Gen.Abdulrahman Danbazzau (rtd), takes to the podium to take questions from senators.
Lt. Gen. Danbazzau has been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
The APC National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, is the next nominee to face the senators.
He took six bows before the lawmakers – three for Saraki and three for the Senators.
Mohammed has been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
Seven ministerial nominees have now been cleared by the Senators. We have three more to go.
A female ministerial nominee, Amina Mohammed, is now addressing the Senators.
After her address, she will take questions from the lawmakers.
After taking few questions, she has been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
The ninth nominee, Suleiman Adamu, is now addressing the senators.
Adamu has been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
The last nominee for today, Ibrahim Jubril Adamu, is introducing himself to the senators.
He is a ministerial nominee from Jigawa State.
He has also been asked to take a ” bow and go.”
Adamu’s clearance by the Senate ended the proceedings for today.
All the 10 ministerial nominees that faced the senators on Tuesday have been confirmed as ministers.
The exercise will continue on Wednesday with the screening of second set of nominees.
Former governor of Ekiti state, Kayode Fayemi is presently answering questions on his activities in office, particularly the debt burden left behind by his government.
Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Tuesday released the names of 16 ministerial nominees sent to the Senate by President Muhammadu Buhari, for screening and confirmation.
This is contained in a presidential memo dated October 12, 2015 and endorsed by President Buhari.
The list of the nominees was submitted to the Senate President at about 4:20pm on Monday by the Chief of Staff to the President, Alhaji Abba Kyari and the Senior Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matter, Senator Ita Enang.
President Buhari had promised to send the second batch of ministerial nominees to the Senate forthwith when the first batch was delivered to the Senate for vetting on September 30.
The President noted in the memo titled: “Conformation of Ministerial Nominees” that the submission of the names of prospective ministers is in accordance with Section 147(2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.
The President said the fresh batch of ministerial nominees will be the last.
He asked the Senate to accord the confirmation of the nominees expeditious consideration.
Those who made the list are – Khadija Buka Abba Ibrahim, (Yobe State), Claudius Omoleye Daramola (Ondo), Prof. Anthony Anwuka (Imo State); Geoffrey Onyeama ; Brig. Gen. M.M. Dan-Ali (rtd) (Zamfara State); Barrister James E. Ocholi (Kogi State) and Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed.
Others are – Okechukwu Enelamah (Abia State); Muhammad Bello (Adamawa); Mustapha Baba Shehuri; Ms. Aisha Abubakar, Senator Heineken Lokpobiri (Bayelsa State); Adamu Adamu (Bauchi State); Prof. Isaac Adewole (Osun State); Pastor Usani Usani Uguru and Abubakar Bwari Bawa (Niger State).
Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, said President Buhari should have helped the Senate by adding states to the names of the nominees.
Senate President has just arrived Senate chamber for commencement of the ministerial screening.
The Senate President said the prayer to signal beginning of the day’s business.
There is tight security in and around the National Assembly complex.
Meanwhile, Senators has opted for a closed-door session to deliberate on salient issues and will return for plenary in about one hour.
The Senate chamber where the screening of ministerial nominees will take place is still empty as at 10:00am on Tuesday.
The senators are still conspicuously absent at the time of filing this report.
Much have been said about the screening of ministerial nominees by the Senate. But, beyond the approval by the Red Chamber, the legislature and the executive arms must work together to effect the desired change and promote the cause of democracy, writes BUNMI OGUNMODEDE
FOR some 21 Nigerians, who will be screened at plenary by the Senate today and tomorrow, it is easier for the horse to pass through the needle’s eye than scaling the hurdles to serve their fatherland as ministers.
Unlike what obtained in the past, when nominees appear for screening with funfair in the company of family members, it is certain that the hearts of these nominees will beat unusually faster when they face senators for assessment.
Ahead of the screening, the would-be ministers have subjected themselves for scrutiny by the Department of State Security (DSS), the Nigerian Police and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).
Beyond the clearance from the security and anti-graft agencies, the nominees must have proofs that they have declared their assets with the Code of Conduct Bureau (CCB). The stake is even higher for those who held political offices in the past. Such nominees must appear with CCB certificates.
If the words of Senate President Bukola Saraki, who will preside over the screening, are anything to go by, there will be no walk-over for any nominee. “It is not going to be business as usual,” he told reporters at the weekend.
He was only reinstating what Senate spokesman Dino Melaye said after an executive session in the Upper Chamber of the National Assembly last Thursday. Though Senator Melaye hinted that former federal legislators might go through lighter rigours, he ruled out preferential treatment for any category of nominees. He said the era of “take a bow and go” was gone for good.
The screening under this dispensation is a clear departure from the past. The practice was for nominees to lobby senators to soften the ground before they appear for scrutiny.
Besides the criteria set by the Senate, there are other hurdles to cross. It will not be over for them until it is over as those opposed to their nomination from their respective constituencies have perfected arrangements to back up their written petitions with protests at the National Assembly premises.
Many believe that the parliament must not pander too much to petitions to avoid the error of judgment. The lawmakers must rise above party affiliations in their duty to ensure Nigerians are not unduly denied of those who have the wherewithal to rebuild the country.
Hardly had the Senate President read the names of the nominees than their opponents swung into action, raking up reasons nominees from their states should not be cleared to join President Muhammadu Buhari in the Federal Executive Council (FEC).
Perhaps, creating more bumps for the nominees is the cold war between the presidency and the legislators. There have been repeated denials on both sides, but discerning minds know that the existing relationship between the two arms is everything but smooth.
Will the senators adhere strictly to the set criteria and create the impression that the Eighth Senate will not be a rubber stamp to the executive or see the opportunity as a payback time to hit at the presidency for undermining its independence in the choice of principal officers? The end will justify the means.
But, beyond raising the stake for the screening, the nominees must be made to sign an undertaking that they would heed the invitation of the National Assembly whenever called upon and cooperate with the lawmakers in the discharge of their oversight functions.
In the past, once ministers scaled the screening hurdle, they were out of control. They spurned legislative summons. Some even seek judicial injunctions to avoid appearance before the National Assembly.
It is hoped that the legislators and nominees would buy into the new order and play their parts. When cleared, ministers should keep their offices on the strength of what they can offer and not on how dexterous they are holding on to their offices.
The legislature and the executive should henceforth learn to promote the culture of democracy and foster good governance as partners in progress. The two arms needs each other for democracy to thrive.
Senate President Bukola Saraki yesterday gave an insight into the process to be adopted by the Red Chambers of the National Assembly when it commences the screening of the ministers-designate on Tuesday.
Saraki, leading a delegation of Senators on a condolence visit to the family of the late Mrs. H. I. D. Awolowo in Ikenne, Ogun State, said that national interest more than any other consideration would be the guiding principle in screening the nominees.
“It is not going to be business as usual. What I can assure you is that we will go with the constitution, the rules, we will put Nigeria first,” he said.
Saraki with whom were Senators Lanre Tejuoso and Biodun Olujimi said: “the screening will be done with a high level of seriousness and what we are all about is our constitutional responsibility to ensure that we find people who are fit enough to be Ministers and particularly this time, to give President Buhari the support he requires.
“It is not about who you like or who you don’t like and I want to assure Nigerian that will not be the basis, it will be based on the constitution and based on ability and our own assessment of capacity of the nominees to perform.
“And I assure you that individual differences would not be an issue at all, and we have spoken with Senators and told them that.
“At this moment of time, we have made sure that as much as possible, we share with the public, we try to ensure that all we be covered live so that everybody can see, we will all be screening from our bedrooms and sitting rooms as well along with the Senators.
“You’re rest assured that we will do a good job Nigerians would be proud of.”
Saraki added that Nigerians would have the opportunity of participating in the screening process from the comfort of their homes as the exercise would be broadcast live.
Commiserating with the Awolowos, Saraki described the deceased as a great person, an icon and mother for all.
He said this informed why the Senate passed a resolution mandating a delegation to be led by the leadership to pay a condolence visit to the family
Saraki said: “on Wednesday the eight Senate passed a resolution mandated us to come here and commiserate with the Awolowo family, the good people of Ogun State and Nigeria in general on the loss of great person and an icon.
“Normally, we send a delegation, but in the case of Mama she deserves even more .That is why the entire Senate, represented by the presiding officers, is here. That is why I am here in person representing the entire eight Senate.
“The country, not her family has lost a great person; she was a great person because since the death of Papa ,for so many years she continued the life of virtues and Papa’s dreams. She showed that she was a uniting factor not only in the South West, but Nigeria in general.
“I can say that, because just a few months ago we were here during the period of our campaign and I don’t think there was any campaign in this country that politicians would not stop here to pay respect and honour.
“She earned that because we have many wives and mothers who, after their husbands passed on, have not been able to sustain their dreams. I think she showed herself that in the entire country she was the only person that has been able to achieve that. That is a great achievement.
“As we mourn we also celebrate the great life she has lived. I remember when we were here we thought we would come to celebrate her 100 years but that shows that we must believe that were of the Almighty God.
“Once again on behalf of the entire Senate I commiserate with the Awolowo family, the Ogun State people and Nigeria at large. The country has lost a great person and we have a lot to be proud of and with the faces I am seeing Mama HID is coming, I think she deserves the honour.”
In her response, Mama’s eldest daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran, commended the Senate leadership for identifying with them.
The funeral programme for the deceased is scheduled to start on 15th of November when her body will be taken to the Apapa home of the Awolowos in Lagos for an interdenominational thanksgiving.
She will be laid to rest in Ikenne on November 25.
The Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has assured that the 8th Senate would put Nigeria first and also carry out a dilligent work regarding screening of the ministerial nominees by next Tuesday.
Saraki gave the assurance in Ikenne home of the matriarch of Awolowo family, Chief HID Awolowo when he led a delegation of the Nigerian Senate on a condolence visit to the deceased’s children.
Aside the Senate President, those in the delegation are Senator Lanre Tejuoso (Ogun Central), Senator Biodun Olujinmi (Ekiti state) among others.
Saraki noted that Nigerians would have the opportunity of participating in the screening process from the comfort of their homes as the exercise would be broadcast live, adding that notwithstanding any relationship with nominees, Nigerians would come first in the spirit of the constitution.
“We have said that for the 8th Senate, it is not going to be business as usual. What I can assure you is that we will go with the constitution, the rules, we will put Nigeria first.
“Screening will be done with level of seriousness and what we are all about is our constitutional responsibility to ensure that we find people who are fit enough to be Ministers and particularly this time, to give President Buhari the support he requires.
“It is not about who you like or who you don’t like and I want to assure Nigerian that will not be the basis, it will be based on the constitution and based on ability and our own assessment of capacity of the nominees to perform.
“And I assure you that individual differences would not be an issue at all, and we have spoken with Senators and told them that.
“At this moment of time, we have made sure that as much as possible, we share with the public, we try to ensure that all will be covered live so that everybody can see, we will all be screening from our bedrooms and sitting rooms as well along with the Senators.
“You’re rest assured that we will do a good job Nigerians would be proud of,” he said.
And earlier while commiserating with Mama’s children at Efunyela Hall within the family home, the Senate President described the late HID Awolowo as a great person, an icon and mother for all.
He said this informed why the Senate passed a resolution mandating a delegation to be led by the leadership to pay a condolence visit to the family
Saraki said: “on Wednesday the eight Senate passed a resolution mandated us to come here and commiserate with Awolowo family, the good people of Ogun State and Nigeria in general on the loss of great person and an icon.
“Normally, as our tradition, we send a delegation, but, for Mama she deserved this even more is for the entire Senate represented by the presiding officers to be here in person I lead that delegation. That is why I am here in person representing entire eight Senate.
“The country, not the family that has lost a great person, she was a great person because since the death of Papa for so many years she continued the life of virtues and his dreams and she sustained over many years she showed that she was a uniting factor not only in South West, but, Nigeria in general.
“I can say that, because just few months ago we were here during the period of our campaign and I don’t think there had been a campaign in this country that no politician will not stop here to pay respect and honour.
“She earned that because we have many wives and mothers who after their husband passed out have not been able to sustain the dream, I think she has shown herself that in the entire country she is the only person that has been able to achieve that that is a great achievement.
“As we mourn we also celebrate the great life she has lived. I remember when we were here we thought we would come to celebrate her 100 years but that shows that we must believe that were of the Almighty God.
” It is not we that decide some of these things when they happen, but, she lived a great life, she is someone we should be proud of not only here but also in Nigeria I don’t see if there is any wife or mother in the entire country, wife of a leader or politician that does what she has done , some years after her husband has gone she continued to sustain the dreams.
” Once again on behalf of the entire Senate I commiserate with the Awolowo family , the Ogun State people and Nigeria at large. The country has lost a great person and we have a lot to be proud of and with the faces I am seeing mama HID is coming, I think she deserves the honour.”
In her redponse, Mama’s eldest daughter, Mrs Omotola Oyediran, commended the senate leadership for identifying with them.
She disclosed that her mother’s final journey to be with the maker, would commence on the 15th of November when the body will be taken to Apapa home of the Awolowo’s in Lagos for an interdenominational thanksgiving.
On the 16th, the body will also depart Lagos for Ibadan for another service before heading to Ikenne in Ogun State where service will be held before a private interment the same day November 25th.
The Senate will on Wednesday begin the screening of ministerial nominees.
This is contained in the Senate Order Paper circulated on Tuesday by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Senator Ita Enang.
The confirmation listed against the name of the Senate Leader, Senator Victor Ndoma-Egba, said, “That the Senate do consider the request of Mr. President, Commander-In-Chief, on the confirmation of nominees for appointment as ministers of the Government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.”
It said the confirmation is in accordance with Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
President Goodluck Jonathan had last month forwarded the names of 12 ministerial nominees to the Senate for confirmation.
Some Senators are said to be gearing up to block the exercise.