The Senate has confirmed Dr. Kingsley Tochukwu Udeh, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The confirmation took place on Thursday at the National Assembly after Udeh appeared before the senators and responded to questions during his screening. He was introduced to the chamber at about 12:15 p.m. by the Special Adviser to President Bola Tinubu on National Assembly (Senate) Matters.
President Tinubu had earlier written to the Senate seeking Udeh’s screening and approval in line with Section 147 (2) of the 1999 Constitution. The nomination followed the resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science, and Technology, who left the cabinet amid controversy over his academic qualifications, including his NYSC discharge certificate and degree from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka.
Nnaji’s exit created a vacancy in the Federal Executive Council, leaving Enugu State without a minister until Udeh’s appointment.
Dr. Udeh, who is currently the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State, was recently elevated to the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria. Following his screening, Senate President Godswill Akpabio referred his nomination to the Committee of the Whole, which approved his confirmation.