After eight days of screening, the Senate on Monday confirmed 45 out of the 48 persons nominated as Ministers by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, announced the confirmation of the 45 nominees.
But Akpabio also announced that the remaining three – former Governor of Kaduna State, Nasir Elrufai (Kaduna), Abubakar Sani Danladi (Taraba) and Stella Okotete (Delta) were awaiting security clearance.
Former Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Festus Keyamo, who was among the 45 confirmed, had escaped Senate hammer after he apologised to the upper chamber for disrespecting the National Assembly over the implementation of the 774,000 special public works implemented in the last administration.
The Senate had witnessed a rowdy session after the Senate Minority Whip, Darlington Nwokocha, raised issues against Keyamo, when he appeared for screening.
Nwokocha had accused Keyamo of disrespecting the 9th National Assembly and labelling the last Assembly of being corrupt when he was summoned to give explanation on the implementation of the special works.
N52 billion was allocated for the scheme which was coordinated by the National Directorate of Employment (NDE) under the supervision of the Minister of State for Labour, Employment and Productivity.
Speaking after the Senate resumed from closed session, Keyamo said: “I apologise and the apology is without reservation.”
He said the entire register of the “beneficiaries of the special public works and their details, including their account number and BVNs are with the NDE.”
Senator Godiya Akwashiki (SDP Nasarawa) urged his colleagues to accept Keyamo’s apology.
Senator Ali Ndume therefore moved a motion that the Senate do accept apology and allow him to take the leave of the Senate.
Ndume’s motion was seconded by Senator Barinada Mpigi (PDP, Rivers).
Akpabio therefore asked the nominee to take a bow and go.
