President Tinubu has forwarded the name of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh, the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of Enugu State, to the Senate for confirmation as a minister.
President Tinubu’s nomination was communicated in a letter read on the Senate floor during Tuesday’s plenary by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
According to President Tinubu, the appointment follows Section 147(2) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which allows the President to appoint ministers subject to Senate approval.
“I am pleased to forward to the Senate the nomination of Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu-Udeh, SAN, for confirmation as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“While I hope that this request will receive the usual expeditious consideration of the Senate, please accept, distinguished Senate President and distinguished Senators, the assurances of my highest regards,” the letter read in part.
The nomination comes in the wake of the resignation of former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Uche Nnaji.
Nnaji stepped down last month amid controversies over his academic credentials, including a disputed certificate allegedly obtained from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and his National Youth Service Corps discharge certificate.
Nnaji’s exit left Enugu State without representation in the Federal Executive Council — a constitutional requirement that mandates at least one minister from each of the 36 states of the federation.
Udeh, a highly regarded legal practitioner recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria, has been nominated to fill the ministerial vacancy.
His appointment reflects President Tinubu’s effort to swiftly restore Enugu’s representation in the cabinet while ensuring constitutional balance across the geopolitical zones.
Following the reading of the President’s letter, Senate President Akpabio referred the nomination to the Committee of the Whole for prompt screening and confirmation.
What impact do you think Tochukwu-Udeh will have on Tinubu’s cabinet? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
