The Senate has confirmed Dr. Kingsley Ude, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic following his screening on Thursday.
Born in 1978, Ude previously served as the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State. During his screening, lawmakers questioned him on a range of national and international issues.
Senator Abdul Ningi asked for Ude’s views on the ongoing “Trump threat,” prompting a brief stir in the chamber as some senators argued that he had already proven his competence and should not face further questioning.
Responding, Ude commended President Bola Tinubu’s diplomatic approach to the issue, describing it as “more a matter of diplomacy than law.”
Senator Adamu Aliero also sought his opinion on whether the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and the Minister of Justice should be separated. Ude replied that the effectiveness of the role depends on the individual’s integrity, stating that “whether separated or fused, it depends on whether he allows himself to be politically influenced.”
Satisfied with his responses, the Senate asked Ude to take a bow and leave before confirming his appointment.
His confirmation follows the recent resignation of Uche Nnaji, former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down from President Tinubu’s cabinet amid a certificate scandal.
