Ahead of the upcoming screening of the 28 ministerial nominees forwarded to the Senate by President Bola Tinubu, senators are embroiled in a sharp disagreement over the screening processes.
The Senate Majority Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele (APC, Ekiti Central), and the Chairman of the Senate Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Yemi Adaramodu (APC, Ekiti South), assert that the screening of the ministerial nominees will be thorough and not follow the traditional "take-a-bow-and-go" approach.
However, the former Senate Minority Leader, Enyinnaya Abaribe (APGA, Abia South), disagrees vehemently, stating that there will be no significant change in the methodology.
Another senator, speaking anonymously to Vanguard, supports Senator Abaribe's view, opining that the presence of former governors, senators, and members of the House of Representatives on the list will likely lead to a mere show of "take a bow and go."
Senator Abaribe emphasizes that the screening will be similar to previous practices and doubts any indication of a change in approach.
Recall that on Thursday, the President of the Senate, Godswill Akpabio, read out the 28 ministerial nominees' list submitted by President Bola Tinubu for screening at the National Assembly, scheduled to begin on Monday.
Senator Adaramodu, speaking to journalists on Thursday, assured that the screening process would be meticulous, focusing on the nominees' experience, character, personality, and background. He stated that the "take-a-bow-and-go" tradition would only be followed if there are no questions for a nominee.
Adaramodu emphasized the Senate's commitment to meet the high expectations of Nigerians for effective performance and vowed to scrutinize the nominees' character and abilities. He clarified that while expertise in core specialties like health is essential for the respective minister, all nominees must possess a broad range of ideas.
Regarding the "take a bow" practice, he defended it as a tradition and not an excuse for complacency, emphasizing that nominees can still be held accountable.
When it comes to allegations of corruption against any of the nominees, Adaramodu assured that all had undergone security checks by the executive, and any red flags would be addressed.
Senator Bamidele corroborated Adaramodu's stance on the thoroughness of the screening process. He assured Nigerians that the screening would not be a mere formality, except for those former members of the National Assembly whom they are familiar with and trust to provide competent leadership.
Tinubu's ministerial list includes prominent names such as Nasir El-Rufai, Nyesom Wike, Abubakar Badaru, Dave Umahi, and Senator Abubakar Kyari, among others.
The screening is expected to begin on Monday, with the Senate suspending its usual recess and parliamentary rules due to the critical national assignment. Senators are determined to diligently carry out their mandate in vetting and approving the ministerial nominees.
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