Senate Screening of Ministerial Nominees Marred by Age Forgery and Falsification Allegations

The Senate’s screening of ministerial nominees faced obstacles as three candidates’ nominations were put on hold due to allegations of age forgery and falsification, among other concerns. Out of the 14 nominees scheduled for screening, seven were allowed to take a bow and leave, while four others underwent the screening process without hindrance.

The nominees asked to take a bow and leave included prominent figures like the former Governor of Rivers State, Nyesom Wike, and the Acting National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Abubakar Kyari.

However, the screening for Prof. Joseph Utsev, currently the Rector of Federal Polytechnic, Wannune, was halted as issues arose regarding his age in his resume. The nominee claimed to have finished primary education at the age of nine, drawing the Senate’s attention to the discrepancy.

Similarly, Senator Abubakar Sani Danladi from Taraba State and Bello Mohammed from Sokoto State faced inquiries about a Supreme Court ban and secondary school leaving certificate issues, respectively.

The Senate President, Senator Godswill Akpabio, assured that these cases would be addressed during the confirmation stage. Other nominees whose screening was postponed included Arch. Ahmed Musa Dangiwa (Katsina State), Chief Uche Geoffrey Nnaji (Enugu State), and Stella Erhuvwuoghene Okotete (Delta State).

The screening process lasted for several hours and saw some nominees granted the privilege to take a bow and leave after brief introductions. Notably, Nyesom Wike, the former Governor of Rivers State, expressed his confidence in President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s nomination, emphasizing his track record as a performer.

While some opposition Senators resisted the idea of granting Wike a pass, the Senate President eventually called for order, allowing him to proceed.

The Senate screening will continue, with issues of age forgery and other concerns under scrutiny. The nomination process remains crucial for the formation of the new government and the nation’s progress.