The Senate on Thursday confirmed Dr Kingsley Tochukwu Ude, SAN, from Enugu State, as a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria after a screening session that briefly sparked tension among lawmakers.
Ude, born in 1978, previously served as Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Enugu State before being nominated by President Bola Tinubu to fill the ministerial vacancy created by the resignation of Uche Nnaji.
Naijaonpoint reports that during the screening, Senator Abdul Ningi asked the nominee to comment on the ongoing diplomatic crisis involving President Donald Trump’s threat toward Nigeria.
The question triggered murmurs across the chamber, with some senators arguing that Ude had already proven his competence and should not be drawn into politically charged questions.
Despite the pushback, Ude responded calmly, stressing that the situation required diplomatic handling rather than legal confrontation.
“President Bola Tinubu is handling the matter diplomatically,” Ude said. “It is more a matter of diplomacy than law.”
His answer seemed to ease the tension on the floor.
Senator Adamu Aliero also sought Ude’s opinion on whether the offices of the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice should be separated.
Responding, Ude said the efficiency of the combined or separated office depends mainly on the character of the individual occupying it.
“Whether separated or fused, the successful operation of that office depends on the individual, on whether he allows himself to be politically influenced or not,” he stated.
Lawmakers nodded in agreement, visibly satisfied with his articulation.
Following his responses, the Senate adopted the long-standing courtesy extended to notable nominees and asked Ude to “bow and leave.” He was subsequently confirmed by voice vote.
His confirmation marks a significant political moment for Enugu State, as he becomes one of the youngest Senior Advocates of Nigeria to secure a ministerial appointment.
Ude’s nomination comes weeks after the sudden resignation of Uche Nnaji, the former Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, who stepped down amid controversy over alleged irregularities in his academic and NYSC credentials.
The Senate’s swift approval of Ude indicates an effort to stabilise the cabinet and maintain regional representation in the federal executive council.
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